New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman can now add a Jewish honor to his resume.
Although he has never been elected to play the National Football League (NFL) all-star Pro Bowl game, the American Jewish Historical Society announced him as the fourth-best Jewish football player ever.
The 29-year-old was ranked after Hall of Fame quarterbacks Sid Luckman and Benny Friedman and Hall of Fame lineman Ron Mix, all of whom played before Edelman was born.
Recently completing his seventh season in the NFL, Edelman emerged as Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s favorite receiving target over the past few seasons recording 327 catches for 3,434 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Edelman, who was a key part of the team’s Super Bowl victory last year, has referenced his Jewish heritage in interviews and on his highly trafficked social media pages, and visited Israel last summer.
Here is the American Jewish Historical Society’s full list:
1. Sid Luckman, QB, Chicago Bears (1939 -1950)
2. Ron Mix, OL, Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers, Oakland Raiders (1960 – 1971)
3. Benny Friedman, QB, Cleveland Bulldogs, Detroit Wolverines, New York Giants, Brooklyn Dodgers (1927 – 1934)
4. Julian Edelman, WR, New England Patriots (2009 – current)
5. Lyle Alzado, DL, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Raiders (1971 – 1985)
6. Ed Newman, OL, Miami Dolphins (1973 – 1984)
7. Harris Barton, OT/G San Francisco 49ers (1987 – 1996)
8. Harry Newman, QB, New York Giants (1933 – 1945)
9. Jay Fiedler, QB, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets (1995 – 2005)
10. Kyle Kosier, OT/G, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys (2002 – 2011)