New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman was named Most Valuable Player following his team’s victory against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta.
After the game, when asked how he felt about the honor, Edelman replied, “It sounds crazy, it sounds crazy. 2018. L’Chaim!”
Edelman provided some of the few offensive highlights in what was largely a defensive game. Eight of his receptions led to first-downs, keeping the ball out of the hands of the Rams.
Edelman is one of only a few Jewish players in the NFL. A player since 2009, he didn’t distinguish himself until the 2013 season. It was during this same season that Edelman identified as Jewish in an interview with the NFL Network.
Edelman has tweeted about Jewish holidays, has participated in a Birthright-style trip to Israel, and has written a children’s book that references Zionism founder Theodor Herzl. After the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting that killed 11, Edelman wore special cleats to honor the victims
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