Before he was Tom Brady’s favorite target and a three-time Super Bowl champion, Julian Edelman was just a kid from California who thought he was moving to Kentucky.
Seriously.
When he signed with Kent State, he legitimately thought the school was "Kentucky State." He even joked later in an NFL Films documentary that he was ready for the Kentucky Derby. It’s a funny story now, but it underscores how far off the radar he was. Most fans know Edelman as the gritty slot receiver who defied the odds in New England, but the real foundation of that "relentless" persona was built on the cold, grey turf of Dix Stadium in Kent, Ohio.
He didn't play wide receiver there. Not once.
The Scrappy Quarterback Most People Forgot
Julian Edelman wasn't just a quarterback at Kent State; he was a human highlight reel for a Mid-American Conference (MAC) team that desperately needed a spark. After a year at the College of San Mateo—where he threw for 1,312 yards and ran for another 1,253—he landed in the Midwest.
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From 2006 to 2008, he was the Golden Flashes' offense. Period.
People look at his NFL stats and see a refined route runner. At Kent State, he was a chaotic, dual-threat weapon. In 2008, his senior year, he basically carried the team on his back. He threw for 1,820 yards and 13 touchdowns, but more importantly, he rushed for 1,370 yards. That broke the school's single-season record for total offense with 3,190 yards.
He was essentially the Lamar Jackson of the MAC before that was even a thing.
The most wild part? Despite his individual brilliance, the team never even had a winning record while he was there. They were fighting uphill every single Saturday. That’s where the mental toughness came from. If you can handle getting hit by 300-pound defensive linemen in 20-degree Ohio weather while playing for a 4-8 team, you can handle Bill Belichick’s coaching.
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The NFL Transition: It Wasn't a Sure Thing
There is a common misconception that NFL scouts were banging down the door to see Julian Edelman. They weren't.
He didn't even get an invitation to the NFL Combine in 2009.
Think about that. One of the most productive postseason receivers in history wasn't considered one of the top 300 prospects coming out of college. At his Kent State Pro Day, the scouts weren't even there to see him—they were there for an offensive lineman.
But Edelman did something that caught the eye of the New England Patriots. He ran a 3.92-second short shuttle. For context, that was faster than anyone at the actual Combine that year.
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The Patriots took a flyer on him in the 7th round, 232nd overall. When he got the call, Bill Belichick didn't say, "We want you to be our next star receiver." He basically said, "We don't know where you're going to play, but we know you can play football."
Career Stats at Kent State
- Passing Yards: 4,997
- Rushing Yards: 2,483
- Total Touchdowns: 52
- Single Season Record: 3,190 total yards (2008)
Why the Kent State Connection Still Matters
If you ask Julian today, he’ll tell you Kent State was the "pivotal" part of his journey. It’s where he learned how to play in the cold. It’s where he learned how to lead when things weren't going well.
He actually went back and finished his degree in business management in 2019, walking across the stage at Dix Stadium—the same place he used to scramble for his life on 3rd and long.
The university inducted him into their Varsity "K" Hall of Fame in 2015. He’s also served as the Grand Marshal for the homecoming parade. The bond is real. He wasn't just passing through; he was a Golden Flash through and through.
Actionable Insights for Aspiring Athletes
- Versatility is Currency: Edelman made the NFL because he was willing to play special teams, defense (he played defensive back in 2011), and eventually wide receiver. Never pigeonhole yourself.
- Pro Day Performance: If you don't get a Combine invite, your Pro Day is your Super Bowl. Edelman’s shuttle time is literally what got him drafted.
- Academic Promises: Even after winning Super Bowls, Edelman finished his degree. It’s a reminder that the "student" part of student-athlete matters for your legacy.
Julian Edelman’s path from a "Kentucky State" confused California kid to a Patriots legend is one of the most improbable stories in sports history. It didn't start in Foxborough. It started with a 1,300-yard rushing season as a quarterback in the MAC.