Julian Edelman has a level of understanding for his good friend Tom Brady right now.
Brady, after 22 incredible seasons, decided to hang up his cleats so he could spend more time with his family. He’s 44-years-old and retirement is somewhat expected at his age, but he’s also coming off of a tremendous season and it’s clear he can still play. Brady is conflicted and he admitted that while leaving the door open for a return in the future.
Edelman retired last season due to injuries, but he still had the itch to continue playing and he still likely had some more gas in his tank. Both players are fierce competitors and both players knew that they have more they can give.
But, for their own reasons, the moved on from the game of football.
While speaking on Tom E. Curran’s “Patriots Talk Podcast,” Edelman explained why it will be difficult for Brady to stay away from playing.
“My answer for, ‘Were you surprised (that) he retired?’ was, ‘No, I’m not. And that’s the same answer if he comes back,” Edelman said. “You wouldn’t be surprised. I don’t know how he’s going to feel in six months when he’s sitting there.
“The first offseason when you retire, it’s different. You have a routine, you have a body clock that you’re so used to. I did it for 12 (years), he did it for 22. So like, it’ll hit him in some form or another. But it wouldn’t surprise me.
“… I mean, it’d make for a hell of a documentary that I’m sure he would make.”
Brandon Bolden believes Brady has a higher chance of returning than staying retired and that seems to be a consensus from players around the league.
