New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman has shown a willingness to fight through pain throughout his entire career. He proved that once again this season, reportedly playing through torn cartilage in his rib for nearly the entire year.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Edelman suffered the injury in Week 3 against the New York Jets. He immediately grabbed the right side of his chest and tests later revealed the torn rib cartilage.
Rather than sit out to let the injury heal, Edelman played through pain and managed to start all 16 games this season and suit up for New England’s playoff game. The 33-year-old receiver also battled through knee and shoulder injuries towards the end of the season, which further limited him.
Edelman still found a way to deliver an outstanding season, even setting a career-high in receiving yards (1,117). He also hauled in 100 receptions for the second time in his career and the first since 2013.
He was also arrested in Beverley Hills on Saturday night and cited for misdemeanor vandalism after he jumped ib the hood of a car and caused damage to the vehicle.
While New England’s passing attack struggled in 2019, it can take a step forward next season if Edelman is healthy and the team brings in more talent to open the offense up more.