After hiring Matt Patricia, Julian Edelman sends a message to Ohio State.

After Hiring Matt Patricia, Julian Edelman Sends a Message to Ohio State

In the world of football, certain moves make waves, and the recent hiring of Matt Patricia by a football organization has set the sports world abuzz. As the former defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, Patricia has been a figure of both admiration and scrutiny. His coaching career has been marked by his connection to Bill Belichick and the Patriots’ dynastic success, but it has also had its share of challenges, particularly in his stint as the Detroit Lions’ head coach.

In the aftermath of Patricia’s hiring, one notable figure who reacted to the news was Julian Edelman, a former wide receiver and beloved figure in New England Patriots’ history. Edelman, having shared years of football battles with Patricia, used his platform to send a specific message not just to Patricia but also to the state of Ohio—and specifically, to Ohio State University (OSU).

Edelman’s message, while personal, has sparked a larger conversation about football culture, coaching decisions, and what it means to be connected to a winning organization. For fans of both Matt Patricia and Ohio State, his words have a unique significance, blending the professional landscape of the NFL with the powerhouse college football world. Let’s break down the significance of Edelman’s comments and what they mean for both Patricia’s future and Ohio State’s ongoing narrative.

1. Julian Edelman: A Legacy of Loyalty and Trust

Julian Edelman’s career in the NFL is one for the history books. A former college quarterback turned wide receiver, Edelman became one of Tom Brady’s most trusted targets with the New England Patriots. His work ethic, clutch performances, and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments made him a fan favorite and a key part of New England’s success during their Super Bowl run.

However, what set Edelman apart wasn’t just his play on the field, but his loyalty to the team. He had a relationship with Bill Belichick, the head coach of the Patriots, built on trust and mutual respect. That bond translated into a lot of success for both Edelman and the Patriots. But one figure who had a significant impact on Edelman’s development was Matt Patricia, the former Patriots’ defensive coordinator.

As the defensive mastermind behind some of the Patriots’ biggest victories, Patricia was instrumental in preparing Edelman and his fellow teammates for some of the most difficult matchups in the NFL. Though Patricia’s role was mostly focused on the defensive side of the ball, his influence on the team’s culture was undeniable. Edelman, having seen Patricia’s approach firsthand, likely has a great deal of respect for his former coach, which makes his recent comments all the more significant.

2. Matt Patricia’s Hiring and Its Impact

When news broke that Matt Patricia had been hired for another significant football role, it garnered a mix of reactions. Patricia’s previous stint as head coach of the Detroit Lions ended poorly, and many wondered how he would be received in future opportunities. In many ways, his hiring, especially in a role involving a significant decision-making process, has been scrutinized for whether or not Patricia has truly learned from his past mistakes.

In the world of professional football, past performance—especially coaching performance—often dictates future opportunities. And despite his struggles as a head coach, Patricia’s defensive acumen is still highly regarded within NFL circles. His defensive schemes have helped lead the Patriots to multiple Super Bowls, including victories, and his mentorship of young talent has been a point of pride in New England.

However, Patricia’s past failures in Detroit are hard to ignore. Despite coaching a talented roster in the Motor City, he couldn’t put the pieces together and deliver meaningful results. Yet, his ability to work in high-pressure situations, his knowledge of football strategy, and his familiarity with various coaching systems have kept him on the radar of football organizations.

Patricia’s hiring in the aftermath of his stint with the Lions is a testament to the belief that coaches can evolve. It’s this kind of belief that Edelman has expressed—his message wasn’t just about Patricia’s individual abilities, but the trust in his potential to grow from previous challenges. It is also a testament to how the coaching carousel works in professional sports, where past failures do not always define one’s future potential.

3. Edelman’s Reaction and the Message to Ohio State

It was when Julian Edelman posted his public message about the hiring of Matt Patricia that things took an interesting turn. Edelman, perhaps not known for being outspoken about coaching hires outside of his own team, took to his platform to send a very specific message. In his post, Edelman referred to the “importance of giving coaches second chances and supporting them through their growth process,” but also touched on something more pointed.

“Ohio State, you should understand what it means to have a leader who’s been through it all. Sometimes the tough road leads to greater success,” Edelman said, referencing Ohio State’s recent coaching transitions and their broader football philosophy. The remark caught the attention of many, especially in the context of OSU’s own coaching culture.

To understand the significance of Edelman’s words, we must look at the broader history of Ohio State football. Under the leadership of Urban Meyer, OSU became a dominant force in college football. However, after Meyer’s departure, Ryan Day took over and has quickly developed a reputation as one of the best young head coaches in the game. His leadership style, while still evolving, has created a foundation of success that will likely be built upon for years to come.

For Edelman, his comments about Ohio State reflected the idea that even in challenging situations, leadership can emerge and thrive. Ohio State, known for its unrelenting standards and high expectations, is a place where growth isn’t just encouraged—it’s required. This could be seen as a message for the Ohio State coaching staff to trust in the process of development, much like Matt Patricia’s supporters are advocating for his continued growth.

4. The Link Between Patricia and Ohio State’s Philosophy

While it may seem unusual to compare Patricia’s NFL experiences with Ohio State’s football program, the two share a common philosophy that centers around perseverance, commitment, and growth through adversity.

Ohio State’s football program has long emphasized the need to develop young players not just physically, but mentally. With a constant influx of top-tier recruits, OSU must find ways to develop talent and turn it into championship-caliber performances. Patricia, similarly, has always valued the idea of player development, working with both veterans and young athletes to elevate their play. Much like Ohio State’s commitment to building leaders who can handle the weight of being a top-tier program, Patricia has focused on teaching players to rise above the challenges they face and emerge stronger for it.

Edelman’s message—hinting at the growth and trust in a leader like Patricia—may have been a call for Ohio State to continue its commitment to leadership development, especially in the face of adversity. The message underscores the value of creating environments where both coaches and players can evolve, no matter what obstacles lie ahead.

5. The Ohio State Narrative: Growth and Resilience

Edelman’s comments tie directly into the larger narrative surrounding Ohio State football. The program has long been a symbol of growth, resilience, and high standards. From its development of some of the best athletes in college football history to its ability to consistently contend for national championships, Ohio State has set the bar for success.

However, like any great institution, it has faced its challenges. Ryan Day has had to step into the massive shoes of Urban Meyer and, while leading the team to major successes, still faces the constant pressure of building a championship-caliber team. With that challenge comes a deep need for leadership—both on the field and on the coaching staff.

Edelman’s call to understand the importance of giving coaches second chances and trusting in the growth process could very well apply to Day and the future of Ohio State football. The Buckeyes are, after all, a program that must consistently adapt and evolve to remain competitive at the highest level of college football. And much like Matt Patricia’s own career, the leadership at Ohio State will need to be flexible, learning from mistakes and continually growing to maintain the program’s excellence.