READING, Mass. -- With a decision looming on Deflategate, Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman was asked how his quarterback and close friend Tom Brady is handling this situation with only 10 days remaining until the team opens training camp.

"He's fired up -- we'll say that. You don't want a mad Tom Brady, and he's a little ticked off," Edelman said.

Julian Edelman said he's focused on the Patriots' upcoming training camp, not on Tom Brady's suspension appeal. Tom Pennington/Getty Images

Edelman was participating in his football clinic for kids Saturday at Reading Memorial High School and said he's focused on preparing for the upcoming season and not on the league's decision on Brady's suspension appeal.

"I'm not really thinking about that right now," Edelman said. "I have 10 more days to get ready for camp, and I'm going to worry about what I can do to put myself in the best situation to help this team. Whatever happens, it happens. I'm sure our coaches will have their thing and have us prepared either way."

The Patriots enter the season as defending Super Bowl champions, and Edelman said he's ready for camp to begin.

"It's what you've been training for," he said. "You go out in spring and you get to play touch football almost with the helmets on, then you get to strap up now and mold your team. It's going to be an exciting time to get out there and see the fellas -- you haven't seen them in a while and shape your team."

This week, longtime Patriots lineman Dan Connolly announced his retirement. Edelman said the veteran will be missed on and off the field.

"I've played my whole career with Dan and he's been an awesome teammate," Edelman said. "It's unbelievable to have him and share him as a teammate. With his family, he's had me over for Thanksgiving and he's the type of guy you want in the locker room, so I wish him and his family the best."

Also in Patriots news this week: Kicker Stephen Gostkowski agreed to a four-year, $17.2 million contract extension.

"Steve, he's the best kicker in the league, so you expect nothing less from him to be back and it's awesome to see him get his contract," Edelman said.

He spent only a few minutes with the media before heading back onto the field to work with the campers.