Bill Belichick explains why he pushed former Patriots WR Julian Edelman so hard
Former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick explained why he coached wide receiver Julian Edelman so hard in a recent appearance on "The Pivot Podcast".
Edelman is recognized as one of the toughest receivers in Patriots' franchise history. Despite being undersized and out of position, the former Kent State quarterback made a name for himself at the NFL level. He became one of Tom Brady's favorite receiving targets and helped add three more Super Bowl banners at Gillette Stadium.
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Under Belichick, he recorded 6,822 receiving yards and 36 touchdowns in the regular season. He was also one of the best postseason receivers in NFL history with 118 receptions for 1,442 yards and six touchdowns.
Former NFL All-Pro running back Fred Taylor, who played for New England during Edelman's rookie season, told Belichick that Edelman was close to walking off a plank during his rookie year. He then asked the six-time Super Bowl-winning head coach why he pushed Edelman so hard.
'He was a great competitor. …It's hard, you know? It's hard," said Belichick. "And you gotta embrace the grind and the toughness of it. But, Julian did that. He was a great competitor."
There's little doubt that Edelman was one of the most clutch and consistent wide receivers in Patriots history.
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His resume speaks for itself, and it's the reason why he's set to be inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame later this year. From roster hopeful to Super Bowl LIII MVP, it's a story that will never be forgotten in New England.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Bill Belichick shares reason for pushing Julian Edelman so hard
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