Julian Edelman

Born in Redwood City, California, Julian Edelman was a standout quarterback in high school and at the College of San Mateo, before transferring to Kent State University, where he started at quarterback for his remaining three years of eligibility. His final year at Kent State, Edelman set the school record for total offense. He was not invited to the 2009 NFL combine, but at his ProDay workout he ran the short shuttle faster than anyone at the combine. He was drafted by the Patriots and signed, presumably as a potential threat in the dangerous, but rarely used wildcat formation. During his rookie season, Edelman was called on to return punts and play wide receiver, frequently filling in for Patriots star Wes Welker and making a positive impression with his opportunities. Although he returned to a back up position the following season, as his career progressed, Edelman took over Welker's position (Welker was traded before the 2013 season) as the number one receiver in the Patriots offense. In the Super Bowl XLIX (played in 2015), Edelman led all receivers in catches and yards as the Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks to win the championship. In Super Bowl LI (played in 2017), Edelman made a spectacular catch to maintain the Patriots momentum as they rallied for the largest come from behind victory in Super Bowl history, defeating the Atlanta Falcons in the first Super Bowl to go to overtime.