Relentless: A Memoir
Tom Brady: "It's a privilege for me to play with someone as special as Julian."
The Super Bowl champion wide receiver for the New England Patriots shares his inspiring story of an underdog kid who was always doubted to becoming one of the most reliable and inspiring players in the NFL.
When the Patriots were down 28-3 in Super Bowl LI, there was at least one player who refused to believe they would lose: Julian Edelman. And he said so. It wasn't only because of his belief in his teammates, led by the master of the comeback, his friend and quarterback Tom Brady-or the coaching staff run by the legendary Bill Belichick. It was also because he had been counted out in most of his life and career, and he had proved them all wrong.
Whether it was in Pop Warner football, where his Redwood City, California, team won a national championship; in high school where he went from a 4'10", 95-pound freshman running back to quarterback for an undefeated Woodside High team; or college, where he rewrote records at Kent State as a dual-threat quarterback, Edelman far exceeded everyone's expectations. Everyone's expectations, that is, except his own and those of his father, who took extreme and unorthodox measures to drive Edelman to quiet the doubters with ferocious competitiveness.
When he was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round, the 5'10" college quarterback was asked to field punts and play wide receiver, though he'd never done either. But gradually, under the tutelage of a demanding coaching staff and countless hours of off-season training with Tom Brady, he became one of the NFL's most dynamic punt returners and top receivers who can deliver in the biggest games.
Relentless is the story of Edelman's rise, and the continuing dominance of the Patriot dynasty, filled with memories of growing up with a father who was as demanding as any NFL coach, his near-constant fight to keep his intensity and competitiveness in check in high school and college, and his celebrated nine seasons with the Patriots. Julian shares insights into his relationships and rivalries, and his friendships with teammates such as Tom Brady, Wes Welker, Matt Slater, and Randy Moss. Finally, he reveals the story behind "the catch" and life on the inside of a team for the ages.
Inspiring, honest, and unapologetic, Relentless proves that the heart of a champion can never be measured.
Reviews (190)
Julian Edelman: Super Bowl LIII MVP!
This is an excellent memoir by Super Bowl LIII MVP Julian Edelman. The memoir is aptly named as well: relentless. This is the saga of an undersized but determined athlete who persevered through high school, college, and the NFL to overcome his lack of size with relentless determination to succeed. Julian walks us through his entire athletic career overcoming all the doubters and shaping himself into a successful athlete at all levels of football. What is truly amazing is his ability to go from a small college quarterback at Kent State and learn a whole new craft of being a successful wide receiver in the NFL. That is not an easy transition even for the most gifted of athletes but Edelman not only has done it but now has one of the iconic catches in Super Bowl history and now a Super Bowl MVP that will etch his name in football history in perpetuity. I also liked how the book is interspersed with thoughts from coaches and teammates throughout his athletic journey. This is a great book that shows that relentless determination can allow anyone to live their dreams.
I liked the book
Im not a huge reader but I thought I would give this book a look. It was a decent book and you do get a look into his personal views and what it takes for some people to get into and stay in the NFL especially as an underdog. I can warn you there is LOTS of game recap. LOTS of game recap, with plenty of details (that got a bit boring to me) but that's just my opinion. I don't professionally review literature so I am going to give it 4 stars because I did enjoy the book, but sometimes I got tired of literally reading a play by play game. I was more into the background story and personal information.
The best book I read in 2017
I loved this book. It was very intense, filled with ups and downs, and many other things. I lerned that if you want something, you have to earn it. Nobody became a star in anything without trying. Julian worked harder than anyone else, he put all of his time and effort into what he loved and belived in, and he came out on top. He got this far on his determination and long to play in the NFL, and look at where that landed him. This is easily the best book I ever read in 2017 and 2016. Just an amazing book, and remember, NO SNIVELING!!!!!!!!!! EVER!!!!
One of the best football books I've read!
This book is a wonderful and easy read! Any lover of football would enjoy reading his story of growing up and playing in the NFL, even if they are not a Patriots fan. Edelman has a great story of never giving up and continuing to better himself in order to keep playing in the NFL. Relentless takes an in depth look into his childhood, college, and NFL career as well as giving short bits from family/friends and coaches. I truly enjoyed reading this book and found myself smiling with most of the stories he tells. There is also a lot of flashbacks to previous games that it always interesting and you can find his opinion on some of the things that have happened within the NFL.
There is no mountain you can't conquer!
If you are sorrounded by doubters, or haters, this book is for you. It doesnt matter if you love or hate the Patriots. Julian story is about an insane dedication, insane work ethic to defy the odds and achieve what most people would consider impossible or at least unprobable. There is nothing you can't achieve if you go all in.. Miguel la fuente Turbomind BookClub TotalSuccess app
16 year old son LOVED it!
My son read this book and loved it. Perfect for the football fan in your house, especially a Patriots fan
Great book on what it takes to succeed!
I really enjoyed this book. I really admire his unstoppable work ethic which got him where he is today. I’ve always admired people who work for everything they have and Julian Edelman has worked so hard his entire life. In the cut throat business of professional sports, he kept striving to improve himself. This is a great book for anyone who needs to be reminded what hard work and grit can accomplish. I really enjoyed the parts from other people’s perspective. It made the book more well rounded and was interesting to read how they remembered an event.
Amazingly, entertaining and well written. As a longtime Patriot fan, I enjoyed this book!
Julian, after reading this book, I feel great admiration for your dedication to the Patriots and the game of football. You are one tough individual to overcome all your injuries and still have a great attitude. Shirley Black
Edelman Delivers on His Version of “The Engine that Could”
Julian Edelman succinctly describes his challenges to becoming a future Hall of Famer receiver...especially for someone that never played the position before the NFL! I have used several anecdotes from this book as lessons for my school aged children and as a reminder to myself that all things are possible when thoughts are put into actions leading to manifestation.
Good story.
The reason I bought this book is because I knew Julian's grandmother. We met at work and became good friends outside of work. She was like a second mom to me. A wonderful woman. I remember the day he was born and how thrilled she was.
