Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski Recall ‘Friendliest’ Bill Belichick Moments

Bill Belichick isn’t famous for his bedside manner, so Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski don’t have a long list of warm and fuzzy memories with their former New England Patriots head coach.

Edelman and Gronkowski were prompted to name the “friendliest thing” Belichick has ever done for them during their “Dudes on Dudes” podcast. The Super Bowl LIII MVP found a creative way to respond.

“I got to think about it. It’s tough,” Edelman said. “He drafted me. That was the friendliest thing.”

Getting drafted wasn’t a given for Edelman, who went No. 232 overall in 2009. The seventh-rounder turned into an excellent investment for Belichick’s Patriots, garnering 7,235 scrimmage yards, 36 touchdowns and three Super Bowl titles over 11 years.

Belichick may not have showered Edelman with affection during his career, but at least he gave the 5-foot-10 wideout a shot.

Gronkowski’s answer may be a more mundane occurrence coming from the typical head coach.

“He complimented me one time,” Gronkowski said.

The legendary tight end recalled a specific play, presumably in practice, against ex-Patriots defensive back Patrick Chung.

“Chung had pretty good coverage on me, and Tom (Brady) threw the ball right over his head,” Gronkowski said. “And like, the very last moment that you could possibly put your hands out and catch it, I did. He put it up in the meeting room and he said, ‘This is a great play by Gronk.’ He loved it, and he complimented me like four times on it.”