Patriots WR Julian Edelman stops by NFL Network to talk about his offseason… and lockout locks

Earlier tonight on the NFL Network’s Total Access show, Patriots WR Julian Edelman made an appearance to discuss the team’s offseason. It was also while I was watching Hangover Part II with The Banktress (not bad, but not as funny as the first), so I’m a little late in getting to this.

Better late than never. And speaking of that, Edelman delivered the best line during the interview with hosts Kara Henderson and Steve Wyche at the end. They asked about his long, long hair and he mentioned he hadn’t cut it all offseason.

“It’s like a playoff beard,” Edelman said. “Lockout locks.”

Nicely done. Here is a link to the entire segment.


They asked how Edelman’s offseason is going, and he mentioned how he’s training in Los Angeles. He also surprised me a little by referencing his playbook. Sounds like he’s been doing some homework. I didn’t realize some guys still had theirs.

“I’m over at API in Carson, (Calif.), working out with a bunch of guys with (trainer) Travelle Gaines,” Edelman said. “I’m just treating it like it’s our offseason back in Foxborough, but out here in LA. Staying physically ready for when this thing gets pulled up. Trying to look over notes and my playbook, occasionally talking to guys on the team. I go out there and work out every morning, after that I meet up with some QBs and catch some balls in the afternoon. After that I kind of relax and wait for these guys to get this stuff handled.”

On the subject of the team’s offense, the hosts mentioned that the Pats used far more two-tight end sets last season, wondering if that plan was going to stick around. And he discussed the use of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.

“All we did was just use different personnel groups,” Edelman explained. “We were running the same plays with just two tight ends. We were fortunate enough draft those two guys. They both have contributed a great amount to the team in different ways. With those two guys, you have to have them both on the field, and I think our coaches did a pretty good job last year of doing that.”

Lastly, they took him back down memory lane. Remember in his rookie year during camp, when Edelman simply could not catch a punt? And everyone was watching? Yeah, he remembered, too.

“I went to Kent State,” Edelman said, “so we had more people at our practices with the Patriots than we had at our games, basically. So, I mean, I was a little nervous and I wasn’t really accustomed to catching punts yet. And I remember — I don’t remember, you have to have a short memory in football — but I think there may have been a dropped ball here or there.”

And now?

“I’ve got a lot of room for improvement,” he said, “so we’ll see next year.”