Julian Edelman Reflects on Belichick’s Coaching and New Romance

Chapel Hill, North Carolina — Former New England Patriots star Julian Edelman shared insights about his ex-coach Bill Belichick‘s personal life and coaching challenges at the University of North Carolina during an interview with PEOPLE.

Belichick, who is 73 years old, made headlines not only for his coaching debut with the Tar Heels but also for his relationship with 24-year-old Jordon Hudson. Edelman, now 39, praised his former coach’s ability to attract attention, particularly in the face of public scrutiny regarding his personal life.

Reflecting on Belichick’s well-known philosophy of “eliminating distractions,” Edelman pointed out the irony of the situation. “Everyone has their life outside of the sport. What he always told me is that we had to eliminate distractions. So, I don’t know. You could take what you want with that,” said Edelman, who played for Belichick for 12 seasons.

Edelman recalled times he faced criticism for personal distractions during his playing career. “I remember getting yelled at for being a distraction. We’re all in the business of eliminating distractions,” he remarked. This perspective emphasizes that even esteemed coaches like Belichick can face challenges outside of the game.

Belichick officially became head coach of the Tar Heels in December 2024, but his first game on September 1, 2025, was a letdown, resulting in a 48-14 loss to TCU. Edelman noted the stark differences in team dynamics, stating, “TCU looked like they had a bunch of really good football players, and North Carolina had 70 new players on the roster.”

Despite the rough start, Edelman remains hopeful about Belichick’s success in this new chapter. “It was good to see him follow up that first week with the win against Charlotte,” he said. This victory boosted the team’s spirits, providing a much-needed lift after the initial setback.

Hudson, while supporting Belichick, has also grabbed public attention with her fashion choices, including wearing a see-through purse filled with crumpled papers. The couple’s relationship continues to attract widespread discussion, raising eyebrows given the 48-year age gap.

Edelman has transitioned to being an NFL analyst and is promoting healthy sleep habits in collaboration with Unisom. “Sleep is so important. As an athlete, I know that firsthand,” he said, emphasizing the impact of rest on performance.

As Belichick navigates his dual role as a coach and partner, Edelman’s comments reflect a blend of admiration and irony about how personal life can intersect with professional commitments.