Lasting just one season following the departure of current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, longtime New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman announced on Monday that he would be hanging up his cleats for good. With Edelman, who won multiple Super Bowl titles as a member of the heralded Patriots, electing to retire ahead of the upcoming 2021-22 campaign, legendary New England head coach Bill Belichick was quick to praise the veteran pass-catcher.

“For all Julian did for our team, what I may appreciate the most is he was the quintessential throwback player,” Belichick said on Monday, via the team's official website. “He could, and did, do everything – catch, run, throw, block, return, cover and tackle – all with an edge and attitude that would not allow him to fail under any circumstance. Julian Edelman is the ultimate competitor and it was a privilege to coach him.”

The soon-to-be 35-year-old Edelman notably won three Super Bowl titles with the Patriots and was even tabbed as the MVP of Super Bowl LIII. Not only that, but Edelman led the Patriots to the most infamous comeback in Super Bowl history against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI thanks to his memorable diving catch. He also caught the game-winning touchdown as the Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX.

A college quarterback turned wideout, Edelman quickly became one of the best players in Patriots history in addition to one of the best slot receivers in NFL history. It will be interesting to see if the longtime New England standout ultimately finds himself in Canton as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.