Former New England Patriots wide receiver Randy Moss was able to lend a helping hand to Julian Edelman, back when he was still earning his stripes as a rookie.
Edelman had to buy lunches for the entire receiver group to fulfill the ongoing rookie tradition. Moss knew the rookie was struggling financially, and he stepped up to help.
Edelman recalled the story on the “Let’s Go!” Podcast earlier this week.
“Randy was a guy, yeah he gave you tough love, but when people weren’t watching and when we were by ourself, Randy would always love me up. Because he knew I was battling mentally through the struggles of trying to make this crazy team,” said Edelman. “As the rookie receiver of the room, I’d have to go and buy the lunches, and he knew I didn’t have much money. And he’d always slide me a couple hundred bucks.
“Randy was kind of like that older brother for me that always looked out, but in front of everyone, he had to let them know, ‘I’m not giving him no treatment.’ But that was part of the game for entering the Patriots that year. So I’m very thankful for having Randy and Tom [Brady].”
Edelman had an impactful season as a rookie in 2009. He tallied 37 catches for 359 yards and a touchdown, setting the stage for what would be a productive career.
Moss ended up becoming one of the Patriots’ most prolific offensive weapons in his short time in New England. However, stories like the one Edelman shared is proof of the impact that Moss made off the field as well.
