Julian Edelman already knew what it felt wish to wear a Super Bowl ring before he won his own.
The previous longtime Patriots receiver can thank his ex-girlfriend, and an NFL legend, for the experience.
Edelman, 37, detailed his experience dating 49ers icon and NFL Hall of Famer Jerry Rice’s daughter while in highschool during an interview on “No Chill with Gilbert Arenas” recently, and made a confession about his visits to the Rice household.
“I’ll inform you one thing: When Jerry wasn’t there, I used to be putting on his Super Bowl rings and the whole lot,” Edelman admitted.
Rice, considered by many as the best receiver ever and certainly one of the best football players to ever live, won three Super Bowl titles with the 49ers before two shorter stints at the tip of his profession with the Raiders and Seahawks.
He still holds the record for many profession receiving yards, receptions and touchdowns.
Perhaps Edelman trying on Rice’s three Super Bowl rings was fitting, because he went on to win three Super Bowls of his own with the Patriots, the one team he played for.
Edelman took Rice’s daughter to prom during highschool, and said that he was “terrified” of Rice at first.
“I remember the primary time I got here over and Jerry got here out along with his chain on — no shirt, six packed up — and just gave me a head nod,” Edelman said. “And that was just like the last time we talked in like two years. It was scary.
“I used to be terrified. And I actually have a bit of girl now, so I understand, you realize, so that you type of you get it. Just a little punk, little kid coming into the home pondering he’s dating a daughter and stuff.”
Edelman retired in 2021.
Despite his initial sentiment, Edelman had nothing but praise for the Rice family.
“The family was awesome. They were all cool, and still friends of today,” Edelman said. “After which once I got to, you realize, it was crazy, once I got to the league afterwards, we developed a relationship. It became cool. I still see him at the [Kentucky] Derby here and there. I see him out and about, and he’s been real cool as of late.”
