Julian Edelman was not only the leader of the wide receiver group in New England in recent years but also obviously the ultimate example for unheralded guys trying to earn their shot at the spot.
A former seventh-round converted college QB himself, Edelman helped undrafted young teammates like former college QB Jakobi Meyers and converted Division II defensive back Gunner Olszewski get a footing in Foxborough.
Olszewski, who earned All-Pro status as a punt returner in just his second NFL season in 2020, spoke to reporters this week via video conference about Edelman’s recent retirement and the impact that the slot receiver mentor had on his young career.
“Piss and vinegar,” Olszewski said, summing up in two words what he took from Edelman over the last two seasons. “That’s what that dude was all about. I don’t know if I can say that on here, but those are the two things that I’ll never forget.”
The man best known simply and affectionately as Gunner throughout Patriot Nation then amended his comment.
“No, I got two more – competitive stamina. That was his other one. I’m sure you’ve all heard that before. Those two things are written down in concrete.”
Edelman announced his retirement earlier this offseason due to a knee injury that cost the veteran playmaker all but six games last season. Olszewski admitted the news was hard to take.
“Man, I don’t think I could put into words,” Olszewski said of the impact Edelman had him over two seasons together. “He took me under his wing, me and Jakobi both. Kind of being the underdog receivers. Kob’s was a former quarterback. Me, I didn’t play receiver. So he kind of showed us the ropes. And you know, it sucked. But I know how he is, he wants to be his best out there and if he doesn’t feel like he can do that he doesn’t even want to be out there. He’s the ultimate competitor, that’s what I learned from him. Toughest dude I ever played with.”
With Edelman gone and some uncertain roles on the wide receiver depth chart, Olszewski made it clear he’s not resting on his All-Pro laurels after leading the NFL with a 17.3-yard punt return average including a 70-yard touchdown last fall.
“Nope, because I got a lot further to go,” he said before expanding only slightly on what he’s focused on this offseason. “Bigger.
Faster. Stronger.
“Just earn everything that I get. Whatever I end up doing or playing, or whatever, it’s going to be what I earn. You know how that is. If I can improve the team that’s what I hope to do by being on the field. But everybody’s got jobs to earn.”
That’s an attitude that Olszewski clearly learned or at least enhanced working with Edelman as he attempts to take similar path to long term success in New England.