It appears Jerry Rice is a big Julian Edelman fan

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He’s a college quarterback turned NFL punt return specialist turned NFL top wide receiver, and he’s still making his mark.

New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman is one of only two players in NFL history with more than 100 postseason receptions (105 and counting) – behind Jerry Rice with 151.

Edelman has also accumulated 1,271 postseason receiving yards, good for fourth all time. But if the wide receiver gains 45 receiving yards in Super Bowl LIII, he’ll move into second place above Cliff Branch and Michael Irvin. Who will he be following? None other than Jerry Rice, again, who has a lead on the bunch with 2,245 postseason receiving yards.

As it turns out, Rice, the Pro Football Hall of Famer, loves Edelman’s work ethic and attitude and is a big fan of his game.

“He’s got that attitude,” Rice said in his interview with The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. “That ‘f--- you’ attitude: ‘I’m going to do what I want to do, and I’m going to go out and I’m going to ball. I’m going to make catches. I’m going to score touchdowns. I’m going to do whatever I have to do to help my team win.’ You can only have an appreciation for that.”

Edelman is moving closer to Rice’s postseason reception record, but it will take a few more good postseason runs to do so. But if he does match or beat the record anytime soon, Rice said he’ll be the first to congratulate him.

“I think he’s awesome,” Rice said. “The guy is a competitor. He wants the ball when everything is on the line. He is that No. 1 receiver. They talk about the New England Patriots don’t have a go-to guy. Edelman is that guy, and he is going to find a way to get open and make the catch to keep the chains moving.”

Rice said Edelman’s heart is what makes him as good as he is. He goes all out for the team and does all he can do to help them win.

“You can’t ask for more in a receiver.”

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