Throughout the 2010s, wide receiver Julian Edelman was a big part of the New England Patriots‘ success, as they continued their dynasty after two Super Bowl losses in the 2007 and 2011 seasons.
He teamed up with legendary quarterback Tom Brady to help the Patriots win world championships during the 2014, 2016, and 2018 campaigns, and although he was never named to the Pro Bowl, he became something of a security blanket for Brady alongside star tight end Rob Gronkowski.
But earning Brady’s trust was a process, and Edelman told Colin Cowherd what he had to do to earn that trust over time.
.@Edelman11 details to @ColinCowherd how he earned @TomBrady‘s trust: pic.twitter.com/jG7hYpkOHh
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) September 22, 2023
Edelman was only a seventh-round draft pick in 2009, and his first few seasons in New England were very quiet and unproductive.
Back then, Wes Welker was their No. 1 wide receiver, and Edelman had to fight for table scraps in terms of touches and production.
But Edelman said he started to earn the respect of Brady when he routinely made his way to Los Angeles for workouts with the soon-to-be Hall of Famer.
Once Brady saw he was there on a regular basis, the QB paid more and more attention to him, studying the minutiae of his game in order to build chemistry with him.
Edelman broke out in 2013 with 1,056 receiving yards and six touchdowns, as Welker had moved on that season to join the Denver Broncos.
It was the first of three seasons with over 1,000 yards for Edelman, and he managed to win the MVP of Super Bowl LIII with 10 catches and 141 yards in New England’s 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams.
By showing Brady he should be trusted and made into one of his top targets, Edelman made himself a central member of the Patriots’ dynasty.
NEXT:
Bill Belichick Comments On Patriots’ Latest Roster Moves
