Belichick, Kraft release statements on Julian Edelman after former Pats receiver announces retirement

HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots celebrates with Julian Edelman #11 after the Patriots defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Patriots owner Robert Kraft and head coach Bill Belichick each released statements on Julian Edelman Monday, after the former Pats wide receiver announced his retirement on Twitter.

"Julian Edelman is one of the great success stories in our franchise's history," Kraft's statement begins. "There aren't many players who earn an NFL roster spot at a position they have never played before. Julian not only did that as a seventh-round draft selection, but he is retiring with the second-most career receptions in franchise history and as a three-time Super Bowl champion, including his last as Super Bowl MVP."

Belichick was similarly and expectedly effusive in his praise for Edelman and his accomplishments over the course of his 11 seasons, all of which were spent in New England.

"By any measure of what constitutes an elite NFL career - wins, championships, production - Julian has it all," Belichick's statement reads. "Few players can match Julian's achievements, period, but considering his professional trajectory and longevity, the group is even more select. It is historic. ... Julian Edelman is the ultimate competitor and it was a privilege to coach him."

Edelman trails only Wes Welker in career receptions for the Patriots, with 620 catches to Welker's 672. It's a little closer when you add playoff receptions: Welker 760, Edelman 738. But Edelman's total playoff resume, of course, wipes the floor with Welker and most other Patriots receivers.

Clearly, Edelman will get fitted for a red jacket for his induction into the Hall at Patriot Place as soon as he's eligible.

PHOTOS: Julian Edelman Through The Years

Julian-Edelman-runs-out-to-field-Patriots-Gillette-Stadium-copy.jpg

Julian-Edelman-Lombardi-Trophy-Super-Bowl-LIII-copy.jpg

Bob Levey/Getty Images; Jared Wickerham/Getty Images; Jim Rogash/Getty Images; Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images; Tom Pennington/Getty Images; Ezra Shaw/Getty Images; Al Bello/Getty Images; Al Bello/Getty Images

MORE: Julian Edelman Retirement Video

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.

Bill Belichick julian edelman Matt Dolloff New England Patriots NFL robert kraft

Matt DolloffWriter

Matt, a North Andover, Massachusetts native, has been with The Sports Hub since 2010. Growing up the son of Boston University All-American and Melrose High School hall-of-fame hockey player Steve Dolloff, sports was always a part of his life. After attending Northeastern University, Matt focused his love of sports on writing, extensively writing about all four major Boston teams. He also is a co-host of the Sports Hub Underground podcast and is a regular on-air contributor on the Sports Hub. Matt writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.