Last night was supposed to be the start of a new era for the Boston Celtics. With big offseason acquisitions like Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, many pegged the Celts as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference, perhaps even threatening to dethrone the reigning conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers.

But those aspirations for the Celts took a major hit just over five into last night’s opener, when Hayward landed awkwardly after an alley-oop attempt, fracturing his tibia and dislocating his ankle.

The injury will likely keep Hayward out for the season, a huge blow for Boston and its fans who know a thing or two about losing a superstar at the beginning of a season.

Just a few months ago, New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman tore his ACL in a preseason game against the Detroit Lions, an injury that will sideline him for the full NFL season.

Edelman clearly knows what Hayward is going through, at least emotionally, and took to Twitter to offer some advice. Take a look.

Tough times don’t last, tough people do @gordonhayward — Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) October 18, 2017

Edelman’s Patriots take on the Atlanta Falcons Sunday night at Gillette Stadium in a rematch of Super Bowl LI, which saw New England overcome a 25-point second-half deficit to beat the Falcons in overtime, 34-28.