New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman has overcome a lot to get to where he is today. Not only was the former Kent State quarterback taken in the seventh-round of the 2009 NFL Draft, but he was immediately converted from QB to receiver by the Patriots.

Edelman spent years fighting for playing time behind bigger name players on the Patriots like Wes Welker, but since Welker’s departure from the Pats in 2013, Edelman has become Tom Brady’s go-to receiver, and new BFF.

With two Super Bowl rings on his resume now, Edelman’s hard work has finally paid off. And, judging by this letter he received from a former teacher, it’s clear that his lofty goals were never derailed by doubters.

Take a look.

set your goals high.

do whatever it takes to achieve them. #motivation pic.twitter.com/1eoaG2yp9w — Julian Edelman (@Edelman11) July 18, 2017

It’s a nice letter and kind gesture from the former teacher, but the lesson to take away from this is that setting high goals doesn’t mean they are unattainable. Edelman has proven that with hard work, perseverance and a little grit, anything is possible.

I can’t help but think, too, that when Edelman read this letter, this went through his mind.

Edelman played a huge part in New England’s 25-point comeback win in Super Bowl LI, coming up with that big catch in the fourth quarter that kept the ball moving for the Patriots. He finished the game with five receptions for 87 yards.