Julian Edelman: “Julian Edelman Exposes Harsh NFL Fine System Says ‘It’s Like Jail’: Inside The ‘Brutal’ System That Cost Him Over $1 Million” | NFL News

(PHOTO: Greg M. Cooper – USA TODAY Sports)

In the new episode of Games With Namespopular podcast, former NFL star Julian Edelman shed light on the less glamorous part of the league: its desperate quest system. Known for his grit and willingness to overcome any challenge on the field, Edelman opened up about the number of NFL fines, suspensions, and disciplinary proceedings during his 11-year career with the New England Patriots.
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Behind the Scenes of NFL Fines: The ‘Friendly Fire’ System

Edelman, who has a reputation as a very good, all-around player, showed an understanding of how the league works. He described the “friendly fire” nature of the hearing, where former players turned NFL officials played a key role. “If you get fined … the NFL sets you up with some ex-players. So, it’s kind of a friendly fire sh-t,” Edelman said. Despite trying to appeal, it was revealed that it rarely made a difference, joking that no amount of “buttering up” this former player seemed to reduce his punishment.
Michael Bennett, NFL legend and guest on the podcast, echoed Edelman’s frustration. “These good people, they make good money, man,” he added, shedding light on the system’s independence.

The ‘Prison-Like’ Reality and its Million Dollar Consequences

Edelman described the good process as being like a prison, where he felt judged by “prisoners judging whether you’re going to go in or not.” And the cost? Not a small change. During his NFL career, Edelman collected more than $1 million in fines, including a $63,504 hit for rough play in one 2018 game against the Buffalo Bills. His biggest blow, however, came that same year when he was suspended for violating the league’s PED policy, a penalty that deducted $1 million from his salary and bonuses.
“It was brutal,” Edelman said. “When you start to see the numbers increase, it stings. You go out to play, to push yourself, and sometimes it comes back to you. While he can laugh now, Edelman’s story highlights the financial pressure that players can face under a good league system.

Playing Through Pain: Edelman’s Relentless Grit Defined His Career

Edelman’s career was built on pushing limits, and fines were not the only sacrifices he made. Known for his willingness to put his body on the line, Edelman has often played through injuries, going against what most players would consider an acceptable risk. In 2019, he famously played with torn rib cartilage, refusing to sit down despite the pain.
Tom Brady, Edelman’s longtime teammate, has often praised Edelman’s no-nonsense style. “He plays bigger than his frame, and that gives our team a big advantage,” Brady said, picking up on what sets Edelman apart from other corners. Not the tallest or fastest on the field, Edelman’s advantage comes from his strength – a quality that often leads him into situations where the risk of fines or injury is high.

From Grit to Grudges: Edelman’s ‘Human Torpedo’ Mentality

Edelman’s standout time on the field included more than a few plays where he chose power over caution. One of his defining plays was during a playoff game against the Chargers, where, instead of getting away from the linebacker, he plowed into him, fighting for every yard.
For Edelman, the level of grit is worth anything. It’s about proving your strength, dedication, and value to the team. Reflecting on the cost, Edelman admitted that fines are just part of the game for him, the price he has to pay for giving it his all.

Edelman’s legacy: The player who never backed down

Despite fines, suspensions, and painful injuries, Edelman remains a prominent figure in NFL history, respected for his tenacity and work ethic. A good system in the league may have caused financial costs, but in his own words, “It’s all part of the game. After all, where’s the fun in playing it safe?
With Edelman’s story now unfolding, his fans and followers can see what NFL players face on the field. As the league continues to refine its policies, stories like his highlight the balancing act between enforcing the rules and supporting the players who make the sport so appealing.
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