It was a hell of a story. Just like he said at the end of the video he shared Monday night announcing his retirement from the Patriots after 12 years. The video was posted to social media, a place where Edelman had a lot of fun over the years, elevating his profile, learning at the heels of his buddy, bestie and battery mate, Tom Brady. Social media is also a place where Edelman received much adulation throughout his career...and it’s where a number of people showed up to pay tribute to his amazing run in Foxboro.
Teammates past and present shared their love and respect for JE11, like fellow receiver Chris Hogan, who spent three years and won two Super Bowls alongside Edelman.
The shield itself tweeted out a five minute highlight reel that some Pats fans might leave on a loop all week.
Senior Bowl director and college scout/ESPN college analyst Jim Nagy (who worked for the Patriots years back) shared a great nugget with the Patriots scouting notes on Edelman coming out of Kent State.
There were the requisite jokes and memes about Edelman going to Tampa (didn’t happen, thankfully), and how weird things would look for Super Bowl holdover teammates.
Some of the local teams paid their respects. Edelman was frequently spotted courtside at Celtics games, and made some memories at a few Opening Days.
Media members, who had more than their fair share of interviews and moments with the sometimes prickly Edelman (remember, he’s the one who described himself as “Happily Miserable”) shared some memorable exchanges and moments.
Edelman made a surprisingly great talk show, where he often shared some good inside stories (you know his coaches had to love him enough to let him get away with Belichick impressions like this).
Opponents Edelman went up against and battled famously on the biggest stage, ones Edelman helped steal a championship from even, showed respect for his career.
Much appreciation for those who took a moment to point out some of the good Edelman accomplished off the field as a spokesman for his faith and heritage.
And of course, saving the best for last: The Brady to Edelman bromance summed up in a great post from 12 to 11, a connection Pats fans looked forward to every week and will forever cherish.
A helluva story indeed. Told fondly one post and a couple hundred characters at a time.