He played college football for the Kent State Golden Flashes as a quarterback and was selected in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Patriots, where he transitioned to a return specialist and wide receiver.

During his senior year, Edelman was the Golden Flashes' leading passer, completing 153-of-275 passes for 1,820 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.

[18] Several analysts suggested that the Patriots may have selected Edelman for his potential in a Wildcat formation;[19][20] when the pick was made, he was announced as a wide receiver.

He returned with the Patriots' Week 10 game against the Indianapolis Colts, where he scored his first official NFL touchdown on a 9-yard reception from Tom Brady.

[30] Edelman became the first rookie to score two receiving touchdowns in one postseason game since David Sloan did so for the Detroit Lions in the 1995 season.

In the Week 17 game against the Miami Dolphins, with Welker, Deion Branch, and Aaron Hernandez inactive, Edelman capitalized with three receptions for 72 yards and a 94-yard punt return touchdown.

[33] Edelman set a franchise record by averaging 15.3 yards per return,[34] which was second in the league after the Bears' Devin Hester.

[38] During the Patriots' Week 11 game on Monday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs, he played defensive back in nickel and dime situations.

[43] Edelman's snap count increased in the first two games of the 2012 season, including a Week 2 home loss to the Arizona Cardinals in which he started over Wes Welker.

[53] Edelman had nine catches on 11 attempts for 110 yards and two touchdowns in a historic Week 12 comeback victory at home over the Denver Broncos; the Patriots overcame a 24-point halftime deficit, scored 31 unanswered points, and kicked the winning field goal in the closing minutes of overtime.

Edelman had 10 catches for 100 yards to help the Patriots defeat the Chiefs 27–20 and advance to the AFC Championship game for the fifth consecutive year.

[76] In the regular-season, Edelman got a block by newcomer wide receiver Michael Floyd on a catch and run that led to a career-long 77-yard touchdown in a 35–14 road victory over the Miami Dolphins.

NFL Films called the play, which was chosen for the cover of Sports Illustrated,[84] "the greatest catch in Super Bowl history".

[85] Edelman's catch sustained a historic comeback for the Patriots, who trailed the Falcons 28–3 late in the third quarter before winning 34–28 in overtime.

[86][87][88] However, Edelman later stated that he does not like to be reminded of the catch or watch it on replay because it resulted from his own error in running the route.

[90] On August 25, in the team's third preseason game against the Detroit Lions, Edelman tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), ending his season before it even started.

[106] In Super Bowl LIII, in a 13–3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, Edelman caught 10 passes on 12 targets for 141 yards, an effort for which he was named Most Valuable Player (MVP).

"[115] His performance in the 2018 playoffs has also led to debate about inducting Edelman into the Hall of Fame despite a relative lack of regular season production.

[129] During Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, Edelman finished with eight receptions for a career-high 179 receiving yards as the Patriots lost a close game 35–30 on NBC Sunday Night Football.

[138] After the announcement, Bill Belichick issued a statement that praised Edelman's competitiveness and mental and physical toughness, calling him the "quintessential throwback player" for his versatile skills, and said that it was a privilege to coach him.

[145] His retirement also revived the debate about inducting him into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which had begun after his MVP performance in Super Bowl LIII.

[147] Proponents cite his roles on three Super Bowl-winning Patriots teams[148] and his ranking second all-time in postseason receptions and receiving yards.

[150] A sequel, Flying High 2, loosely based on Edelman's "greatest Super Bowl catch" against the Atlanta Falcons, was released in December 2017.

[151] On October 24, 2017, Hachette Book Group published Edelman's memoir, Relentless, written with Tom E. Curran of NBC Sports Boston.

[153] He has made cameo appearances on television, including episodes of the HBO sports dramedy Ballers[154] and the reality competition America's Next Top Model.

[164][165] The podcast revisited some of the most iconic and memorable games in sports history with guests on the show typically include players, coaches, and celebrity fans.

[169] His impersonation of Belichick went on to become an internet meme and sensation, garnering millions of views after being posted by almost every major sports network in America.

"[177] During an NFL Network interview in December 2013, Edelman stated that he identifies as Jewish and celebrates Hanukkah; he has become "more attuned to the religion and history.

According to a statement by the Suffolk County district attorney's office, "The evidence suggests that he approached a woman on the dance floor and took her hand briefly.

In April 2020, the charge was dropped by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office because Edelman had paid the car owner for the repair and had no criminal record.