Training camp in 2019 shed light one of the unlikliest players to make an NFL roster.
The New England Patriots brought in Gunner Olszewski, a former Division 2 defensive back, who converted to a receiver in the NFL. Olszewski stands with a 6-foot, 190 pound frame and lacks any real talent that would separate him from the pack. His grit and determination landed him on the 53-man roster and he ended up playing eight games before losing his season to ankle and hamstring injuries.
He’s back at the unorthodox 2020 training camp and looking to make the roster again with another unlikely opportunity. Olszewski’s competing for a spot with a crew of receivers that includes Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry, Mohamed Sanu, Damiere Byrd, Jakobi Meyers, Jeff Thomas and Matthew Slater.
Regardless of the outcome, there’s no doubt he’ll bring a much-needed energy to the field during training camp. J.C. Jackson spoke about the energy Olszewski has and the ‘dog mentality’ he carries.
“Gunner is a tough kid. Gunner is the type of kid you know you have to compete against Gunner,” Jackson said, transcribed by WEEI. “He’s coming at you every play, every snap. He’s going to go 100 percent, even in blocking drills. He’s a dog. He has a dog mentality. I love going against Gunner.”
Olszewski spent time last year as a receiver, but also took over as the team’s primary punt returner when he was healthy. He understands numerous positions on a football field and brings that experience to practice.
“I’ve been a wide receiver ever since I came to the National Football League. So I don’t really think of myself as a former defensive player,” Olszewski told reporters on Wednesday. “The second I got here, I was a receiver. The second I got here I felt comfortable doing it because I knew my position changed. I didn’t think of myself as a DB. I don’t think of myself as a former DB now. Everybody comes into the league as a receiver whether they played it in college or not. I think it’s a whole new position for everybody.”
The standards of playing in the NFL as a receiver is a lot different than college. I think I learned just like everybody else did last year. We’re all new receivers in the NFL. And this is our second year as NFL receivers. I don’t consider myself more behind or ahead of anybody. I’ve been a receiver since I’ve been here, and that’s the position I play. Comfortability has always been the same. It’s the position I play now.”
Olszewski spoke about his second year in the league and how the transition has been much easier than Year 1.
“Year 2’s a lot more fun,” Olszewski admitted. “You have an idea of how every day is gonna be. Obviously, being a rookie is tough. Especially our rookies this year, not having a spring portion. I feel good. I know our whole class, our rookie class from last year, we’re all talking about it, and we all say Year 2 is a lot more fun. Less thinking and a lot more just playing ball.”
Olszewski would be a huge addition to the roster if he can make it past the talented receivers ahead of him.
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