For 11 seasons, Julian Edelman and Matthew Slater were teammates on the New England Patriots, and for the first four, members of the same special teams unit before Edelman’s full time transition to wide receiver began in 2013.
Earlier this spring, Edelman announced his retirement from football citing nagging health issues.
On Monday, Slater took some time to reflect back on his longtime teammate relationship with Edelman now that the 2021 season will mark the first season they won’t be together in the locker room since Slater’s rookie season in 2008. Slater is presently the longest tenured player on the Patriot roster.
“There’s not going to be another Julian Edelman who comes through here. He was so unique”, Slater told reporters.
Edelman later reacted to Slater’s comments in a tweet Tuesday with complements back at him.
“Slate taught me more than he’ll ever know. How to be a professional on the field and a better man off of it. Class act through and through”, Edelman wrote.
You can read Slater’s full quote about Edelman, the legacy he leaves behind, and what the Patriots need to do to replace him in the tweet below.
Slate taught me more than he’ll ever know. How to be a professional on the field and a better man off of it. Class act through and through. https://t.co/vHuxyoekIn
— Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) June 15, 2021
Support Us: Help Us Compete Against The Corporate Media Giants
We need your help. If you enjoy our content, please help us beat Google's Corporate algorithm by adding us as a preferred source on Google News.
Click the button below and check the box next to "PatsFans.com"
Add as a preferred source on Google News
More Patriots News Headlines:
Patriots Notes 08-02: Maye, Brown Begin To Shine
By: Steve BalestrieriPatriots training camp: Drake Maye and A.J. Brown's chemistry builds, while Kayshon Boutte shines amid trade rumors. Mike Vrabel discusses practice.
MORSE: Notes From Patriots Training Camp Practice – Day 7
By: Mark MorsePatriots Training Camp Day 7 featured Drake Maye's INTs, Romeo Doubs' standout day, and several injuries. Christian Gonzalez's contract talks continue.
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 8/1
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had to say during his press conference on August 1, 2026:
MORSE: Notes From Patriots Training Camp Practice – Day 6
By: Mark MorseAnalyzing Patriots Training Camp Day 6: Drake Maye's strong performance, Kayshon Boutte's emergence, and updates on key position battles and injuries.
TRANSCRIPT: Drake Maye Press Conference 7/31
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye had to say during his press conference with the media on Friday, July…
