FOXBORO — Julian Edelman has the itch.

Retirement has treated the Patriots legend well since he hung up his cleats two years ago, but as he returned to the back fields at Gillette Stadium as a special guest at Thursday’s training camp practice, there was something about it that got his juices flowing.

“Of course you get the itch. I’m a football player,” Edelman said. “You love football. Especially when you get to see a group of guys that are coming together and working hard. It’s not too hot today and the practice wasn’t too long, it’s a little different from when I was playing. But it’s still football, so you definitely miss it.”

Edelman has and will continue to avoid scratching that itch, but as he continues his post-playing media career, he still loves the Patriots. He’s doing his best to help them from afar.

That includes giving Patriots quarterback Mac Jones some helpful advice – and in a unique method.

“Jules has been awesome. I always text him. He sends voice memos, it’s kind of interesting,” Jones said. “He does a great job communicating. He loves the Patriots and is just an all-time Patriot. We see him on the film all the time and any questions I have for him, he always answers. I don’t know him that well, but every time I’ve talked to him, he’s just been awesome. He’s been a good resource for us.”

Edelman said he’s liked what he’s seen from Jones as the quarterback and new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien continue to get acquainted.

“I’ve seen all good things,” Edelman said. “What people don’t realize in this part of training camp, it’s not always drawn up to look like it should be a great play. A lot of times, they’re testing guys and the defense has multiple different looks and the offense isn’t game-planning for certain looks, you go in for controlled chaos. You kind of want to see how guys react to certain looks and things. It’s pretty good, and I’m excited to see him continue to work with Billy O.”