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Is Julian Edelman a Hall of Famer?
Sharper thinking is required.
Patriots wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl champion Julian Edelman retired this week, and there has been debate on whether his playoff heroics warrant his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Edelman’s story is inspiring. A running quarterback from Kent State, he knew he couldn’t make it in the NFL at that position. He was drafted in the 7th round by New England, became a fine punt returner, and backed up slot receiver Wes Welker for four seasons before earning the starting spot in 2013 when Welker left for Denver. With Edelman as a starter, the Patriots won three Super Bowls. Edelman’s stats went up during the playoffs, where he frequently made spectacular, game-changing plays. He was the MVP of Super Bowl LIII.
Edelman will not be forgotten in New England or by NFL Films.
But is he elite? Is he a Hall of Famer?
I’ll compare his career to three others who haven’t been inducted into the Hall of Fame, Players A, B, and C.
