Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is celebrating more than just the Buckeyes’ future this spring; he’s honoring the legacy of a longtime friend and football warrior. On social media, Patricia shared heartfelt congratulations to Julian Edelman, who was officially named a first-ballot inductee into the New England Patriots Hall of Fame.
Matt Patricia Celebrates Julian Edelman’s Patriots HOF Milestone
The message, though brief, reflects the depth of connection between Patricia and Edelman, two key pieces of the Patriots dynasty who forged their bond through years of shared grind, playoff runs, and championship glory.
Now leading the Ohio State defense under head coach Ryan Day, Patricia hasn’t forgotten where he came from, or who he went to battle with. His support for Edelman’s red jacket moment is a reminder of the relationships built behind the scenes of a Super Bowl dynasty.
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Patricia, who joined New England in 2004, was part of six Super Bowl appearances and three championship victories with the Patriots. His tenure saw him rise from offensive assistant to defensive coordinator by 2012, playing a critical role in the franchise’s dominant run during the 2010s.
Julian Edelman, meanwhile, entered the league as a seventh-round pick and former college quarterback, ultimately becoming one of the most clutch postseason receivers in NFL history. Together, Edelman and Patricia were central figures in Super Bowl XLIX, Super Bowl LI, and Super Bowl LIII, games that cemented New England’s legacy and created legends in the process.
Edelman’s Hall of Fame nod isn’t just a recognition of stats, though his playoff numbers are elite; it’s a celebration of grit, toughness, and resilience. Patricia, now shaping the next generation of college talent at Ohio State, recognizes the value in Edelman’s underdog journey.
A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Patricia began his coaching career in college before transitioning to the NFL in 2004. After a 16-year run with the Patriots and a head coaching stint in Detroit, he returned briefly to New England before accepting the role at Ohio State in 2025.
Now, his defensive mind is at work in Columbus, but his heart still holds a place for the dynasty that defined his NFL career.
KEEP READING: How Did Julian Edelman Play in College? Inside the NFL Legend’s Journey to the Patriots Hall of Fame
Edelman’s induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame as a first-ballot selection isn’t just a personal achievement; it’s a moment shared by every coach and teammate who helped him rise. For Matt Patricia, it’s also a reminder of the enduring power of football bonds.
As Patricia put it best: “Make room for another ring and the RED jacket!” Julian Edelman has earned it, and his former coach couldn’t be prouder.
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