These Postseason Stats Are The Most Compelling Reason Why Julian Edelman Should Eventually Get A Strong Look From Hall Of Fame Voters

There will be plenty of debate over the next few years about whether or not Julian Edelman belongs in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in Canton. While Edelman put up solid regular season stats, they didn’t quit match up with other players of this era, but if you include the postseason numbers, Edelman dominated in ways that few others have.

When it comes to the Hall Of Fame there has never been a set amount of rules for induction regarding longevity, or statistical milestones. The closest argument I can make would be Lynn Swann’s induction. Swann didn’t exactly have overwhelming career stats, but what people would eventually remember were his highlight reel receptions, and his amazing postseason moments, which undoubtedly gave him the push he needed.. And many will point out it was a different era in football, he did not put up similar numbers compared to his contemporaries like

Swann finished his career with 336 receptions for 5,462 yards and 51 touchdowns

Harold Carmichael 590 receptions, 8985 yards 79 Tds
Cliff Branch 501 Reception 8,685 yards 67 Tds
Charley Joiner 750 receptions 12,146 yards 65 Tds
Steve Largent 819 receptions 13,089 yards 100 Tds

These are just a few examples, but the best chance for Julian Edelman to get in may be helped by this years induction of Cowboys great Drew Pearson. Pearson has been waiting for years to get in, and the truth is he was putting up similar numbers to Swann on the same timeline. Pearson finished with 489 receptions for 7822 yards and 48 touchdowns. Pearson was a member of the 1970s all decade team and a 1 time Super Bowl champ, but he was clearly overlooked because his regular season statistics did not pop out. Lynn Swann’s postseason was the clear separator in the minds of the Hall Of Fame voters. Swann was inducted in 2001, a full 20 years before Pearson would get his day in the sun.

Julian Edelman will retire with a respectable 620 receptions 6,822 yards and 36 touchdowns. Julian’s regular season stats may not match up with some of todays biggest stars, but what Edelman was able to bring to football’s biggest stage can not be ignored. It is entirely possible the Patriots may not have won any of their last 3 Super Bowl championships without him.

Julian Edelman left his mark in the postseason.

Most receptions (NFL playoff history)

Jerry Rice — 151
Julian Edelman — 118
Reggie Wayne — 93
Rob Gronkowski — 89
Hines Ward — 88
Wes Welker — 88

Most receiving yards (NFL playoff history)

Jerry Rice — 2,245
Julian Edelman — 1,442
Michael Irvin — 1,315
Cliff Branch — 1,289
Rob Gronkowski — 1,273