Julian Edelman wasn’t suppose to be a featured wide receiver in the National Football League. In fact, he wasn’t even suppose to be on a NFL roster. That being said, the former Kent State Quarterback has turned into a key piece on one of the most successful teams in the NFL. The former 7th round pick in the 2009 NFL draft has already attained a Super Bowl victory, a 1,000 yard season, as well as the love of an entire fanbase. The question is, how does the starting QB from a relatively unknown college become the beneficiary of the game winning catch in the biggest game in sports?

Before the past two years, Julian Edelman had spent most of his sports life as a relatively unknown football player. Before attending Kent State, he spent has time at the College of San Mateo. Never heard of it? Before writing this article I hadn’t either. Once he arrived at Kent State University, Edelman once again didn’t do enough to make the world take notice. I mean, the man ended his college career with more interceptions (31) than touchdowns (30). After a relatively subpar college career Edelman became eligible for the 2009 NFL draft. After not being invited to the 2009 combine, Edelman posted the following at his Kent State pro day: Edelman Pro Day.

Tom Brady is easily the most famous late round draft pick in NFL history. The four time Super Bowl champion has partially become famous due to the fact that his story is not a normal one. Most sixth round draft picks never play a snap in the NFL let alone win multiple MVPS, be named to multiple Super Bowls, and have multiple Pro-Bowls to their name. However, one of the happiest moment of Tom Brady’s career may have been the day the Patriots drafted Edelman.

The afterthought of the 2009 NFL Draft provided a spark to the Patriots organization that nobody saw coming. Since his arrival in Foxborough, the Patriots have won the AFC East each year, made the AFC championship 5 times, and made the Super Bowl 2 times (winning once). During that time Edelman has made fantastic strides in his career. Edelman NFL Stats. If not for being hurt for a great amount of the 2015 season Edelman might have amassed two 1,000 yard seasons. That being said, there has been steady improvement in his game since the day he stepped onto a NFL field. For example, the 2015 New England Patriots have achieved a 13-4 (playoffs and regular season record). Their record with Edelman on the field? 10-0. With Edelman off the field? 3-4. Clearly, Edelman is a key figure on the Patriots.

Tomorrow Edelman and his team will take on the Denver Broncos in hopes of reaching the Super Bowl for the second consecutive year. If the Patriots are to win they will look to their top WR in hopes that he can do what he’s done since he arrived in the organization. And BALL OUT.

Twitter: @CovertZach