Julian Edelman Is Retiring from Football, Explains Why He's Ending Career

New England Patriots player Julian Edelman has announced that he is retiring from his NFL career after spending 12 years with the team.

The wide receiver, who will turn 35 next month, had his contract with the Patriots terminated after he failed a physical. For those that don’t know, he underwent knee surgery in 2020 and only played in six games, resulting in his worst totals for catches and yards since 2012.

Julian released a video message in which he explained to fans why he’s ending his career.

Click inside to find out what he said…

“I’ve always said, ‘I’ll go until the wheels come off,’ and they finally have fallen off,” Julian said in the video. “Due to an injury last year, I’ll be making my official announcement of my retirement from football. It was a hard decision, but the right decision for me and my family. And I’m honored and so proud to be retiring a Patriot.”

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick added, “By any measure of what constitutes an elite NFL career — wins, championships, production — Julian has it all. Few players can match Julian’s achievements, period, but considering his professional trajectory and longevity, the group is even more select. It is historic. This is a tribute to his legendary competitiveness, mental and physical toughness and will to excel. … Julian Edelman is the ultimate competitor and it was a privilege to coach him.”

Four years ago, he bared his ripped body for the ESPN Body Issue!