Julian Edelman was inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame as its 37th member. The news was announced on Monday, with fans voting Edelman as the latest inductee. “Julian Edelman is one of the great success stories in our franchise’s history,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft stated. Edelman’s journey to the Hall of Fame is unique. He started his collegiate career as a zero-star quarterback at a junior college in San Mateo, California. He then transferred to Kent State, where he excelled as a quarterback. His play caught the attention of the New England Patriots in seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Over 12 seasons, Edelman became one of Tom Brady’s most reliable targets, recording three 1,000-yard seasons. He retired with 620 career receptions for 6,822 yards and 36 touchdowns, plus 118 postseason receptions for 1,442 yards and five touchdowns. Julian Edelman will be inducted alongside former head coach Bill Parcells, who was named a contributor to the Hall of Fame earlier in 2025. The date of the induction ceremony has not yet been announced.

The San Francisco 49ers have had a relatively quiet offseason in terms of internal drama. Due to this, star tight end George Kittle couldn’t be happier. After an offseason of roster changes, Kittle expressed his relief that there have been no contract holdouts or quarterback controversies. “I’m happy that we don’t have a bunch of guys holding out for contracts,” Kittle told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan. “I’m glad that we are not having a super drama-filled offseason. I think every year of my career we’ve had a quarterback controversy at some point. And to not have that, it’s going great.” Kittle secured his own contract early in the offseason and noted that the absence of drama has created a positive atmosphere. The 49ers’ offseason focus has included several new free agent signings. Kittle emphasized the importance of getting to know these new teammates before the grind of training camp begins. Quarterback Brock Purdy, also reported for the team’s voluntary workouts, and Kittle believes his presence further boosts the team’s chemistry. “Brock being here reinforces that because everybody knows who Brock is and he is a very social person in the locker room,” Kittle said. “His being around, getting to meet everybody, is just good for our team chemistry.” Having gone through multiple contract negotiations himself, Kittle has offered guidance to Purdy as he navigates his own contract situation. Drawing from advice given to him by former 49er Richard Sherman, Kittle likened contract talks to getting braces: uncomfortable at times, but ultimately beneficial.

The Carolina Hurricanes came from behind to defeat the Washington Capitals 2-1 in Game 1. The victory came in overtime, with Jaccob Slavin scoring the game-winning goal. Despite trailing 1-0 midway through the third period, the Hurricanes fought back, with Logan Stankoven also finding the net. Frederik Andersen made his return after missing the final game of the first-round series against the New Jersey Devils due to injury. Coach Rod Brind’Amour praised his team’s effort, saying, “I thought our guys played hard every shift, right from the start of the game. ” Aliaksei Protas gave the Capitals a 1-0 lead early in the second period with his first goal of the playoffs. However, the Capitals struggled to maintain their momentum and were unable to capitalize on opportunities. Capitals coach Spencer Carbery acknowledged the team’s poor performance, stating, “It wasn’t good. Our entire game was not good. We’ll regroup and get ready for Game 2.” Washington goaltender Thompson made 31 saves but was unable to hold off Carolina’s offensive push. The series will continue in Washington on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET (ESPN, SN, TVAS).