When Julian Edelman and Tom Brady, former Patriots teammates and Super Bowl champions, recently came together, it felt like a trip down memory lane. Edelman, the former Patriot who retired in 2021 after securing three Super Bowl victories alongside Brady, shared his excitement about their reunion. The team had honored Brady in a tribute during a game, and Edelman was thrilled to be a part of it.
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“It was awesome,” Edelman, now 37, told PEOPLE, recalling the halftime celebration dedicated to his former teammate. “I thought he had a killer speech, got my juices boiling a little when he ran out and gave the LFG,” he added.
During the tribute, Brady was accompanied by his three children: Jack, 16, Benjamin, 13, and Vivian, 10. Edelman found this family moment “really special” to witness. Reflecting on the day, he said, “I just thought it was an awesome day for him and for New England.” Edelman acknowledged the significance of the place for Brady, having spent two decades there with his family. “It was great that everyone was there for it,” Edelman shared.
In another heartwarming reunion, the former NFL stars, Edelman and Brady, joined forces for the 2023 NFL Kickoff campaign, “Unretirement,” by PepisCo, Frito-Lay, and Beverages. Other NFL legends like Dan Marino, Randy Moss, Jerry Rice, and Emmitt Smith also joined them.
The campaign lightheartedly suggested that NFL veterans, retired for over a decade, might consider a comeback to the league, sparking some playful nostalgia. Edelman expressed how much fun it was to collaborate with Brady again. Despite not having worked together for a few years since Brady’s move to Florida, Edelman stated that it felt just like old times when they reunited for the ad.
“Working with Tom again was a lot of fun,” Edelman shared, likening the experience of discussing the shoot and running lines with Brady to their pre-game rituals back when they would sit together in the locker room. He added, “It was great to reminisce and catch up and work together again.”
The camaraderie and inspiration from their reunion has sparked speculation about Julian Edelman considering a comeback from retirement, perhaps drawing from the enduring motivation embodied by his former Patriots teammate, Tom Brady.
Tom Brady and Julian Edelman’s legacy with the New England Patriots
Julian Edelman and Tom Brady forged a legendary quarterback-receiver duo in their 11 seasons with the New England Patriots.
Edelman, a seventh-round pick in 2009, transitioned from punt returner to a reliable receiver, celebrated for his agility, toughness, and clutch performances.
Their connection extended beyond the field, a profound understanding of each other’s styles allowing them to execute plays that set them apart. Edelman became Brady’s go-to receiver in crucial times, making pivotal catches, often leading to game-changing victories, including Super Bowl triumphs in 2015, 2017, and 2019.
However, in 2020, the partnership shifted when Brady moved to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Edelman, after the 2021 season, bid farewell to the NFL. Their combined efforts resulted in 1,179 receptions, 13,174 receiving yards, and 73 touchdowns, leaving an indelible mark in NFL history. Their camaraderie remains strong, showcasing their enduring friendship and shared reverence for their incredible journey together with the Patriots.
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