Julian of all trades: Edelman to play big role for Pats

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- A single player may prove to be the secret to the Patriots success at the Super Bowl.

Julian Edelman has not been getting as much attention as tight end Rob Gronkowski or quarterback Tom Brady, but his versatility and strength are what the Giants are preparing for.

Tom Brady leads the Patriots in terms of super stardom but sometimes it is the unsung heroes who come through in big wins, like Sterling Moore in the AFC Championship.

Some fans wonder if Julian Edelman will be that player in Super Bowl XLVI.

Edelman plays all facets of the game, from offense to defense to special teams.

“It’s like school, I mean the more you study, you know, the better it is on the test results,” said Julian Edelman, Patriots wide receiver and defensive back.

Edelman is not the biggest Patriots player, not in fame, not in height and not in accomplishments but he is a fan favorite.

“He could make a play, he could be big in this game. I mean he’s like Troy Brown used to be, he just does so much,” said Steven Sullo, an Edelman fan.

Edelman was a quarterback at Kent State but Bill Belichick didn’t draft him to be a quarterback, he drafted him for his football skills.

Edelman began his career with the Patriots as a wide-out but Belichick knew he could play defense too.

“He had a knack for it, he picked it up well, quickly. Again, he’s a smart, hardworking guy,” said Bill Belichick.

Giants players have insulted Edelman in the media recently.

“He plays wide receiver. He’s not a real defensive back. Did he get drafted as a defensive back? We’re confident. I hope he’s out there,” said Mario Manningham of the Giants.

“It’s just a bunch of noise and we ignore the noise around here. If I’m thinking about that, I’m thinking about the wrong thing,” said Edelman.

Fans think Edelman has been doing a great job for the Patriots and will continue to excel.

“I think he’s greatly disrespected and it’s uncalled for. He’s doing a very good job considering it’s a new position for him,” said Marilyn Wild, an Edelman fan.

(Copyright (c) 2012 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)