Wide Receiver Julian Edelman’s Case For The Pro Football Hall Of Fame

By Jordan Long

Wide receiver Julian Edelman decided to retire from the NFL.  He failed his physical and the Patriots cut him.  It was not a surprise since Edelman had knee surgery during the 2020 season that limited him to 6 games.  Edelman now has chosen to walk away from the game at this time.  It is possible he could unretire at any point to join a team, but that seems unlikely because he needs to pass a physical.  Assuming this was Edelman’s last season in the NFL, it begs the question, is he a Hall of Famer?

                Edelman’s regular season stats aren’t all that impressive.  He caught 620 passes for 6,822 yards and 36 touchdowns.  His receptions are 75^th on the NFL All-Time list.  Edelman’s yards rank are even worse than his receptions at  156^th.   The touchdowns are 161 away from the All-Time leader Jerry Rice.  Those stats don’t scream Hall of Fame.  These stats are notable for the New England Patriots’ history.  He will be known as one of the best receivers to put on the uniform for them.

                The playoff stats tell a different story for Edelman.  Edelman appeared in 19 playoff games for the New England Patriots.  Edelman won 3 Super Bowls with them. Edelman was named MVP in Super Bowl 53 when the Patriots defeated the L.A. Rams 13-3.  In his career, Edelman is second on the NFL list for career playoff receptions and yards.  He caught 118 passes for 1,442 yards.  The only player in NFL history ahead of him is Jerry Rice.  Edelman didn’t score a lot of touchdowns in the postseason with 5.

                The Pro Football Hall of Fame committee will have a tough decision with Edelman.  During Edelman’s 11 year career, his regular season numbers are not Hall of Fame worthy.  An athlete wants to be known for what they did in the postseason when games really mattered because it’s win or go home.   Edelman proved to be one of the top receivers in NFL history during the Patriots’ playoff runs. 

                In the end, Edelman is a borderline Hall of Fame player.  He was productive during his career.  The playoff numbers may boost him into the Hall of Fame.  He also has 3 rings and a Super Bowl MVP which might help his case to eventually be enshrined.  It will take some time before the committee decides he should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.