Perhaps no player embodies the New England Patriots' ethos better than Julian Edelman.

The veteran wide receiver played perhaps the finest game of his storied career on Sunday, finishing with 10 catches for 141 yards in his team's 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII, an effort for which he was named the game's MVP.

In a defense-first affair completely devoid of the offensive fireworks that highlighted the 2018 season, Edelman was either team's only source of consistent offense, and a security blanket for quarterback Tom Brady, who faced pressure in the pocket for the first time all postseason while getting knocked down four times.

It was Edelman, though, who Brady singled out for his toughness after the game.

“He played the best game of the year,” the six-time champion signal-caller said, per ESPN's Jeff Legwold. “He's a fighter. I'm just so proud of him. He's been an incredible player for this team.”

Edelman, 32, was at his best throughout the playoffs when the Patriots needed him most.

Article Continues Below
More Patriots News
New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) and New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens
Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski recreate Lombardi Trophy boat moment with a twistGuillermo Guajardo ·
New England Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) warms up before the start of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium.
Raiders’ Jakobi Meyers earns prestigious tag that’ll leave Patriots fans screamingJaren Kawada ·
New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) walks to the podium to speak to the media after minicamp held in the WIN Field House at Gillette Stadium.
Josh Allen sends Patriots’ Drake Maye an inspiring Stefon Diggs messageBenedetto Vitale ·
New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams (18) makes a catch during minicamp at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots’ Kyle Williams shows rookie swagger, ready to prove himselfJosh Davis ·
Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel talks with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) before the preseason game at Nissan Stadium.
Tom Brady’s endorsement of Mike Vrabel will inspire confidenceScotty White ·
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks to defensive end Keion White (99) and linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson (44) after minicamp held in the WIN Field House at Gillette Stadium.
Patriots’ stud signing bringing ‘physicality’ to Mike VrabelLorenzo J Reyna ·

He accounted for over half of Brady's passing yards in the Super Bowl, converted multiple key third downs in New England's thrilling overtime win against the Kansas City Chiefs, and had nine catches and 151 yards receiving against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Patriots, needless to say, wouldn't be celebrating their record-tying sixth Super Bowl title without Edelman.

Of course, many believe the 10-year veteran shouldn't have been playing in the postseason in the first place. Edelman was suspended for the first four games of the season after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs over the summer.

He debuted on October 4th, barely missing a beat with the Patriots despite breaking a rule that would have sidelined him for the entire season in Major League Baseball.