Julian Edelman earned Super Bowl LIII MVP honors after hauling in 10 catches for 141 yards in a 13-3 Patriots win, amounting to 55.7% of the Patriots total passing yards. The 32-year-old quarterback-turned-receiver has never made a Pro Bowl but is one of the most productive receivers in post-season history, ranking second overall behind Jerry Rice in both post-season receiving yards and post-season receptions.
Following the MVP honor, the veteran receiver spoke with ESPN’s NFL Primetime crew, including former teammate and Hall of Famer Randy Moss. Moss was traded to the Patriots in 2007, where he set the single-season record for touchdown receptions. Edelman, who was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2009 draft, spent one season playing with one of the best receivers of all-time.
Edelman recalled a phrase Randy would consistently tell him as a young receiver in the league and busted out a spot-on impression to deliver it.
He said:
“He goes, ‘Edelnut, there about 14 or 15 of you in this league. There’s only one Randy Moss. Ninety-eight first round — get to know me.’”
Randy was drafted with the #21 overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, 19 spots behind Ryan Leaf.
Edelman finished the 2009 regular season with 37 receptions for 359 yards and one touchdown. Moss finished the season with 83 receptions for 1,264 yards and 13 touchdowns.
[h/t For The Win]