Julian Edelman, alongside Rob Gronkowski, joined Scotland’s Tartan Army during the 2026 World Cup in Boston, helping fans place a traffic cone atop the George Washington statue in the Public Garden—one of many Boston landmarks targeted with cones during the we
Traffic cone on the head. Kilt on the legs. In Boston’s Public Garden, the prank landed quickly—and it didn’t take long for people to notice.
Julian Edelman. a Patriots legend who has long been part of the city’s rowdy sports nightlife after winning three Super Bowl titles with New England. stepped into Scotland’s celebration over the weekend. He joined Rob Gronkowski as part of the Tartan Army’s weeklong residency in Boston for the 2026 World Cup. and together they helped bring one Scotland fan into the moment: Edelman. wearing a kilt of his own. helped place a traffic cone atop the famous statue of George Washington in the park.
George Washington wasn’t the only target. Over the past week. several statues across Boston have been decorated by Scotland fans with traffic cones. continuing a tradition that has followed the Tartan Army through the city. Effigies dedicated to Samuel Adams. Paul Revere. Bill Russell. Bobby Orr—and even the “Make Way For Ducklings” ducks—also received new headwear as commuters passed by.
The cone-on-the-statue routine has been visible beyond downtown landmarks, too. A traffic cone sat atop the statue of Samuel Adams as morning commuters passed Faneuil Hall on June 17, 2026. In the Public Garden. the image of a traffic cone atop the mother duck became another recognizable piece of the spectacle.
The practice didn’t start in Boston. It traces back to Glasgow in the 1980s, when late-night partiers made it a habit to place a cone atop a statue dedicated to the Duke of Wellington outside the Gallery of Modern Art.
Now, with the World Cup moving, the Tartan Army’s attention has shifted. While the group has moved south to watch Scotland play Brazil in Miami later this week, Boston’s week of cone-happy hijinks has still left its mark.
Gronkowski described the atmosphere in a spot for Fox Sports. saying. “This is the second time in 12 years that the city of Boston has been drank dry. ” adding. “Congratulations to the Scotland army. the Tartan Army. they are absolutely fabulous. They’re sloppy, but a respected sloppy fanbase, they’re great people.”.
Even with the attention on Miami, Boston may not be done with the Tartan Army yet. Boston’s statues may not be in the clear if Scotland returns to “Boston Stadium” later this month for a Round of 32 matchup against Germany.
Germany booked that potential matchup on June 29 after both beating Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday and watching Curaçao draw with Ecuador. For now, Scotland stands as the current favorite to post a third-place finish in Group C and return to Boston next week.
Julian Edelman Rob Gronkowski Tartan Army traffic cone prank George Washington statue Boston Public Garden 2026 World Cup Scotland Germany Round of 32 Samuel Adams statue Paul Revere statue