Former Patriots Star Trolls Fanbase with Viral April Fools Stunt

Julian Edelman's social media prank got Patriots fans excited about a potential comeback.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:08pm

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Former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman trolled fans on April Fools' Day with an epic prank on social media, posting that he would be returning to the organization. While it may have fooled some fans at first, a quick look at the calendar made it clear that Edelman was simply pulling off an elaborate April Fools' joke.

Why it matters

Edelman was a beloved Patriots player who retired in 2021 after a 12-season career with the team. His viral prank got fans talking about the possibility of him returning, even if it was just a joke, highlighting his enduring popularity and status as a franchise legend.

The details

Edelman retired from the NFL on April 12, 2021 due to ongoing knee injuries. He played 137 games for the Patriots, recording 620 receptions (second-most in franchise history), 6,822 receiving yards (fourth-most), and 36 touchdowns. Edelman also made a name for himself as a postseason star, making key plays to help the Patriots win three Super Bowls, and was named Super Bowl MVP in 2019.

  • Edelman retired from the NFL on April 12, 2021.
  • On April 1, 2026, Edelman posted on social media that he would be returning to the Patriots.

The players

Julian Edelman

A former wide receiver who spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the New England Patriots, winning three Super Bowls and being named Super Bowl MVP in 2019.

Tom Brady

The legendary quarterback who played alongside Edelman for many years with the Patriots, forming a formidable duo.

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The takeaway

Julian Edelman's April Fools' prank demonstrates his enduring popularity and status as a beloved Patriots legend, even years after his retirement. While he may not be suiting up again, his ability to still captivate the fanbase with a simple social media post shows the lasting impact he had on the organization and the New England region.