Julian Edelman Named No. 4 Jewish Football Player Ever

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By JTA January 22, 2016

New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman has never been elected to a Pro Bowl — the NFL’s all star game — but he can now add a Jewish honor to his resume.

He is the fourth-best Jewish football player ever, the American Jewish Historical Society announced Thursday.

The society included Edelman behind Hall of Fame quarterbacks Sid Luckman and Benny Friedman and Hall of Fame lineman Ron Mix in its ranking.

The 29-year-old has emerged as Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s favorite receiving target over the past few seasons. He racked up 92 receptions for 972 yards in the 2014 season and was a key part of the team’s Super Bowl victory last year.

His 2015 season was derailed by a foot injury on Nov. 15 that required surgery, but he returned to play last weekend in the Patriots’ 27-20 AFC Divisional round win against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Edelman has referenced his Jewish heritage in interviews and on his highly trafficked social media pages. He visited Israel last summer.

READ: The Patriots’ Julian Edelman’s Jewish ties

The three Jewish football players above Edelman on the list have kvell-worthy resumes of their own.

Luckman played for the Chicago Bears from 1939 to 1950 and won four NFL championships. He was considered one of the best long-range passers of his time.

Ron Mix was a nine-time all star offensive tackle who played for the L.A. and San Diego Chargers and the Oakland Raiders. Friedman, who played for four different teams between 1927 and 1934, was considered one of the league’s first great passers.

Here is the American Jewish Historical Society’s full list:

Sid Luckman, QB, Chicago Bears (1939 -1950) Ron Mix, OL, Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders (1960 – 1971) Benny Friedman, QB, Cleveland Bulldogs, Detroit Wolverines, New York Giants, Brooklyn Dodgers (1927 – 1934) Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots (2009 – current) Lyle Alzado, DL, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Raiders (1971 – 1985) Ed Newman, OL, Miami Dolphins (1973 – 1984) Harris Barton, OT/G San Francisco 49ers (1987 – 1996) Harry Newman, QB, New York Giants (1933 – 1945) Jay Fiedler, QB, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets (1995 – 2005) Kyle Kosier, OT/G, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys (2002 – 2011)

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