Super Bowl LIII MVP shares an interesting encounter with NBA legend
After securing wins in the divisional and conference championship rounds, the New England Patriots were once again back on the big stage. As the team prepared for Super Bowl XLIX against the Seattle Seahawks, Julian Edelman, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, reminisced about a unique interaction with NBA great Michael Jordan nearly nine years ago.
Jordan’s Pressure on Edelman
Speaking on his “Games With Names” podcast, Edelman revealed an intriguing story about his encounter with Jordan before the highly anticipated Super Bowl. In their conversation, Jordan left Edelman with a clear message: “Hey kid, I got a bunch of money on you. Don’t f— it up.” Although the exact amount of Jordan’s bet remained undisclosed, his words carried weight for Edelman as he prepared for the game of his life.
Memories of Legends
Besides his interaction with Jordan, Edelman also shared his experience of chatting with baseball legend Derek Jeter around the same time. Describing Jeter as “charming,” Edelman reflected on the unique opportunity to connect with two sports icons simultaneously.
The Memorable Super Bowl XLIX
Super Bowl XLIX proved to be an unforgettable championship game. The Patriots emerged victorious with a 28-24 win over the Seahawks, thanks to a game-changing interception by defensive back Malcolm Butler in the end zone. The decision by Seahawks coach Pete Carroll to pass the ball instead of handing it off to running back Marshawn Lynch became a topic of much debate and criticism.
As Edelman prepares for his next chapter after his time with the Patriots, his encounter with Jordan serves as a reminder of the pressure and expectations that come with playing on the biggest stage in sports.