EDITOR'S NOTE: This story originally ran on Feb. 5, 2019, after Edelman won the MVP award at the 2018 Super Bowl. Edelman announced his retirement Monday after a 12-year career with the Pats. He recorded 6,822 yards on 620 catches, but he really excelled in the playoffs: He ranks No. 2 overall in career postseason yards and touchdowns.
ATLANTA -- Julian Edelman was choking up, on the verge of tears, and needed a second to try to gather himself, to put what had just happened in perspective. He crouched down, in the center of a chaotic sea of gleeful celebration, and began playing with pieces of confetti at his feet.