Julian Edelman has been called many things during his tenure in New England but there’s a pretty good chance no one has ever used the term “spaz” when describing the wide receiver.
Until Wednesday.
Tom Brady was asked about his go-to receiver’s production this year and how he’s evolved from college quarterback to NFL wide receiver.
“He’s done great taking advantage of his opportunities,” Brady said. “He and I spent a lot of time together over the years. I’m glad it’s really paying off. He had a great opportunity to take advantage of and he’s done it. It’s a credit to him and his work ethic, his mental toughness.”
But that’s where the praise kind of paused, as Brady — known to send a playful shot or two at teammates through the media — used the question as a good opportunity to mess with the 27-year-old.
“To play college quarterback with such – I’d love to see those old tapes of him running around because he’s kind of a spaz, I don’t know if you guys know that,” the Pats quarterback said. “I always say, ‘God, what were you like in the huddle as a quarterback? How could anyone look at you seriously?’ But I guess he did pretty good.
“He definitely can’t throw the ball so he made the right switch to receiver at the right time,” he jokingly added.
Edelman, whose 34 receptions are good for the most in the NFL (tied with Andre Johnson), is on pace to set personal highs in receptions, touchdowns and receiving yards. He spent his first four NFL seasons in the shadows of one of the league’s top wideouts in Wes Welker, who signed with Denver this offseason.
“He’s been great. Very hard worker, he’s dedicated, nobody works harder than Julian. It’s hard when you’re playing behind Wes for all these years. You’re just not going to get a lot of opportunity because Wes was such a great player, was durable and Jules never got a chance. Now he’s got it and it doesn’t look like he’s slowing down at all.”
