Patriots gridiron news: Why Julian Edelman will still be loved
Julian Edelman’s pending four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances will not impact his legacy with the New England Patriots.
Following the news Thursday that he is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman took to Instagram on Friday to apologize to fans.
With the suspension under appeal, the relentless playmaker showed a degree of disappointment and promised to return (if suspension is upheld) on a championship winning level.
"“I am very sorry – I don’t what happened,” Edelman posted, via Instagram. “I’ve taken many, many tests obviously over the course of my career, and nothing like this has ever happened. I apologize to the Kraft family, my coaches, teammates and fans. As this matter is being appealed, I can’t say anymore but no matter what, I will be ready to play and pursue another championship with our team and for Patriots fans around the world.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"
Edelman, who was sidelined the entire 2017 season following ACL surgery, has been rehabbing and working his way back for the 2018 season. Through organized team activities and minicamp, he has looked strong and progressing nicely to get back to where he was prior to the 2017 season.
Did he take something to help with that progress?
Only Julian Edelman knows that answer, but if he did, it should not hurt his legacy with the New England Patriots.
Sure, fans around the NFL will throw the label “cheater” at the organization, but that can’t and won’t take away from what a former quarterback from Kent State has been able to accomplish in a league where size and strength dominates.
From the versatility he has shown on the field to the relentless effort he displays on every play (see his catch in Super Bowl LI), the man who has earned the nickname “minitron” has done it more with his aggressive nature to succeed on the field.
At the age of 32, he may well have needed something extra to heal faster, but no banned substance can help a player have the heart and mental toughness shown by Julian Edelman throughout his career.
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He may come back as strong as ever, or he may not be the same. Whatever the case, his true value to the team is that relentless attitude fans, coaches, teammates and the owner have grown accustomed to.