Patriots superstar wide receiver Julian Edelman, 29, was born and raised in Redwood City, California, and was the star quarterback at Woodside High School. After playing quarterback at Kent State and the College of San Mateo, he was drafted by the Patriots in 2009. Noted for his versatility, he played both wide receiver and defensive back during the 2011 season and he holds the highest career punt-return average among active players.

Jonathan Soroff: The real story behind your nickname “Minitron”?

Julian Edelman: Well, one of my Boston PD friends, Jimmy Stoddard, claims he coined that. He takes it personally when Tom [Brady] says he gave it to me. As for what I think: It’s cool and all, but I’m really known as “The Squirrel.”

Patriot who’s most likely to become an actor? The cameos by Rob Gronkowski are already in full effect, so we’ll probably keep getting the Gronk.

Are you a certified citizen of Gronk Nation? I’m actually on the Supreme High Council of that bad boy.

Do you think pro athletes are idolized to an unhealthy extent? Well, it’s a double-edged sword. It’s a great thing, because you remember when you were a kid, and you idolized guys. But when you get into that situation, you have to realize everyone’s looking at you. You can’t always go out and have fun or make a fool of yourself, because you’re supposed to set an example. So, to a certain extent, it’s fun, but there’s another side, where you’re still 29 and you’re still learning about life. You’re not always going to be perfect, and when you’re constantly being judged, it can be tough. I’m just trying to learn, too.

So if Bob Kraft told you to jump off a bridge, would you? I’d say, “Is that in my contract?”

NFL city or team you least like to play? Well, playing against Buffalo in the winter isn’t a lot of fun because of the weather. They have great fans, but it’s kinda crazy.

Favorite stadium, besides Gillette? I’d have to say Chicago. I like playing in New York, too. Chicago’s stadium has the old soul, but it’s all renovated.

Favorite thing about Pats fans? The passion. I always say that it’s not like when you go to Ohio, or Florida, or the South, where they have all the hootin’ and hollerin’ over the state universities. In Boston, what people love are the professional football, baseball, basketball and hockey teams, and they’re not messing around.

Endorsement deal you’d kill for? [Laughs] I gotta be careful with this one. I think it would be kinda cool to do a luxury watch brand. The high-end watches always get tennis or golf players. I think Rolex should have an NFL guy, and I’m willing to put myself forward.

Biggest slob in the locker room? I’m going to say Rob Ninkovich. Sorry, Rob!

Best twerker on the Patriots? [Laughs] That hands down has to go to Gronk. He likes to twerk. You’ve seen it in the media. A close second would be Chandler Jones. And a close third, under the radar, on the low a really good dancer, is Matthew Slater.

Post-football plans? In 20 years, I see myself being a human canon ball in a traveling circus.

Thing you’re most proud of? [Without hesitation.] Winning the Super Bowl.

Football hero growing up? I had three. I always loved Joe Montana. Jerry Rice was unbelievable. Actually I had four. Prime Time Deion Sanders’ number is still in my email address. And I also love Doug Flutie. Undersized quarterback.

Thing you love most about Boston? It’s a small town with a lot of neighborhoods. Great restaurants. The foliage is unreal. Going down Commonwealth Avenue whenever—in snow, in summer—is just unbelievably beautiful. Boston’s just lively, young and energetic.

Thing you like the least? The traffic. There are only three ways into the city.

Most ridiculous thing you’ve ever read about yourself? I try not to read that stuff, but I guess something like who I’m supposedly dating. That stuff’s funny.

Workout routine in the offseason? Well, I live in Los Angeles, in West Hollywood. I wake up probably at 6 o’clock every morning. I make a smoothie. I drive over to Carson and get prevention training on my knees and strengthening my ankles, all the areas that are vulnerable. That’s about an hour. From 9 to 10, I get ready for my workout. At 9:45, I start stretching and rolling out, getting prepped. At 10, we start on-the-field training: plyometrics, speed training—whether it’s lateral speed or top speed. That goes on for about 45 minutes. After that, we hit the weight room, where we incorporate strength and explosive training, with Keiser machines, high-intensity metabolic training, until about 11:30 or 12. After that, I usually drive to UCLA or USC and find a quarterback to practice with. Then, at 2 o’clock, I eat some sushi, take a nap, and I’m ready for the day.

Any pregame rituals? I do the same thing every time, but not out of superstition. I get there real early. I hit the hot tub and warm my body up. I go out and do drills. I come in and lay out my uniform. I always pick four pairs of brand-new socks; I don’t know why. I go get taped, put on my lowers and go outside and catch some more balls. See the field and how it’s playing, if there are any spots. After that, I come in, get ready and throw on some music that relaxes me. Then I go to work.

Sport you watch the most on TV? I love watching golf. It’s crazy. I love these new young guys. I loved watching Tiger in his prime. Watching the Masters was my ultimate giddy fanboy experience.

Weirdest fan encounter? Well, it’s always pretty weird when you’re in a men’s room and someone wants to shake your hand right after they used the urinal. I always do the elbow to elbow thing. That’s always awkward.

One thing everyone should know about you? Everyone should know that I genuinely love what I do.