Edelman, at the time, was still under contract with the Patriots, the organization where he and Brady played 11 seasons and won three Super Bowls together. Brady, having already recruited their other longtime teammate Rob Gronkowski to sign with Tampa, wanted to know if Edelman would be interested in joining him, too.

He played his 12th and final NFL season in New England, before retiring in April 2021.

"It's a pretty amazing honor to get to play with one organization your whole career because you don't really see that very often anymore," Edelman said Friday, the day before his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame.

On Sunday, Edelman will be the 37th inductee voted into the Hall. In May, fans selected him over fellow finalists Logan Mankins and Adam Vinatieri.

"This is an unbelievable surreal moment for me," Edelman said. "Just thinking about where I came from, my story. If you were to ask me on my first day if I was going to be inducted into this Hall, I don't think I would have said, 'Yeah.' There was just such a long road."

The Patriots drafted Edelman, a quarterback at Kent State who converted to wide receiver in the pros, in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft (No. 232 overall). After a slow start, in which he barely played on offense for his first four seasons, Edelman became an integral contributor as well as a fan favorite. He emerged as one of Brady's favorite targets, leading the team in receiving yards in 2013, 2016, and 2019.

Edelman's highlight reel is filled with signature moments. His most famous might be the ridiculous grab in the fourth quarter of New England's historic comeback victory against Atlanta in Super Bowl LI. But there's also the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter against Seattle in Super Bowl XLIX -- and the 51-yard touchdown pass to Danny Amendola in the third quarter of the 2015 divisional round game against Baltimore.

"Julian Edelman is one of the great success stories in our franchise's history," Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in a statement. "There aren't many players who earn an NFL roster spot at a position they have never played before. Julian not only did that as a seventh-round draft selection, but he finished his career with the second-most receptions in franchise history and as a three-time Super Bowl Champion, including his last as Super Bowl MVP.

"No one was more committed to his craft and honing his skills than Jules. His explosiveness off the line, quickness in his cuts, and elusiveness after the catch made him one of the hardest players to defend. His clutch catches in our biggest games and overall toughness made him a fan favorite."

Edelman's impressive numbers reflect the reliability and grit he demonstrated not only during New England's playoff runs but throughout multiple regular seasons Coach Mike Vrabel, who did not play with Edelman, expressed appreciation on Friday for his approach to the game.

"Just a pure competitor, just a pure warrior out on the field, just toughness, great play demeanor, and really willing to do anything to help the football team," Vrabel said. "Excited for him this weekend, his family, and his journey. We talk about everybody's journey to the NFL; it looks a little different for everybody. But very worthy to be in the Hall of Fame here."

There were moments throughout Edelman's tenure that he thought he might play elsewhere. He credited a number of his former teammates -- Kevin Faulk, Tedy Bruschi, Devin McCourty, Matthew Slater -- for setting a strong example with their perseverance.

"That's the business part of this sport," Edelman said. "Your feelings get hurt when you're a young guy. They bring someone in and they don't give you the contract you want. There's so many emotions that get built up with that whole process. Did I think I was going to play somewhere else? Yeah, but I didn't want to."

By the end of his time in New England, Edelman established himself as a beloved figure, easily recognizable at times because of his bushy playoff beard.

He loudly supported the Red Sox, Celtics, and Bruins, frequently repping their jerseys and attending games. He would often skateboard with Amendola around the Back Bay. He started his own brand, JE11, in an effort to spoof Brady's TB12. He regularly dined out, befriending local chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette.

"This place definitely feels like home," Edelman said. "This feels more like home than anywhere I've lived in the last five years. Including my hometown [of Redwood City, Calif.]."

Edelman, for all the fame that came with his success, did his best to consistently stay engaged with the New England fanbase.

Julian Edelman's enshrinement in the Patriots Hall of Fame a testament to his perseverance, loyalty - The Boston Globe