Reliable as ever, Patriots’ Julian Edelman wins Super Bowl MVP

New England Patriots’ Julian Edelman holds the trophy after the NFL Super Bowl 53 football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, in Atlanta. The Patriots won 13-3. Edelman was named the Most Valuable Player. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

ATLANTA (AP) — Julian Edelman was forced to watch only as a spectator as his disappointed New England Patriots teammates trudged off the field a year ago as Super Bowl losers.

Catch after catch in this one, Tom Brady’s favorite wide receiver helped make them winners again.

“It’s pretty surreal,” Edelman said, shaking his head. “Tough times don’t last, tough people do. I preach that, and, I guess you have to live to it.”

Edelman certainly did Sunday night, earning Super Bowl MVP honors with 10 receptions for 141 yards while helping lift the Patriots to a 13-3 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

“My name was called,” he said. “I was asked to make a couple plays and we were able to do that.”

Edelman and Brady made one final connection — at midfield with confetti flying around them. They embraced for several moments — eyes filled with the tears of champions.

“The hug was just two Bay Area boys that love football, love to compete and are living out our dreams,” Edelman said before taking a second to clarify one small detail.

“I think he held me,” the bushy-bearded Edelman said with a big grin. “I didn’t hold him.”

It was an incredibly satisfying ending to a big-time comeback season for Edelman, a guy considered by Brady to be like a little brother — some teammates even jokingly say they have a “bromance” — and widely regarded as one of the greatest slot receivers in league history.

And, he was at it again against the Rams.

Reliable and steady. All night long.

“He’s a fighter, man, that kid,” Brady said. “I’m just so proud of him. He’s been an incredible player for this team in the playoffs and he just cemented himself, again, in the history of the NFL for what his accomplishments are.”

Even when things weren’t working early for the Patriots, Edelman kept the offense going and the clock rolling as a safety valve for Brady. Eight of his catches were for first downs , including a 13-yard grab during the go-ahead touchdown drive with 7 minutes left in the game.

“Julian always gives us those kinds of plays,” coach Bill Belichick said. “Tough plays, tough catches, catch-and-run plays, breaking tackles for a few extra yards. He did a tremendous job.”

It has been a long journey back to this point for Edelman, who missed all of last season after tearing a knee ligament in New England’s third preseason game.