Former NFL wide receiver Julian Edelman thinks the current scene surrounding Caitlin Clark hasn’t happened since another famous No. 1 pick dominated basketball headlines 21 years ago.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Edelman said he hadn’t seen the type of “crazy stuff” akin to Clark’s inaugural WNBA season directed toward NFL players beyond some star quarterbacks. He likened the rookie’s treatment to that of LeBron James.
“I’ve never seen anything quite like this since when LeBron James came out,” Edelman claimed.
The former New England Patriots felt the fact that he was getting asked about Clark signaled a major win for the WNBA.
“I ultimately think it’s the best thing for the WNBA. We’re sitting here talking about the WNBA with an NFL football player,” Edelman said. “This is the best thing they can have for their league.”
Speaking as someone who “never watched the WNBA” until recently, Edelman said the league should welcome new viewers such as himself with open arms. He compared it to David Beckham and Lionel Messi driving more interest in MLS.
“They shouldn’t be so against the casual fan that’s coming in and watching this thing and having an opinion,” he declared. “Welcome to a big league in America.”
Clark led the Indiana Fever to their third straight win by defeating the Washington Mystics on Wednesday night. The newcomer collected 18 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and four steals.