Terps in the NFL: Q&A with Dan Gronkowski
6/17/2009 8:00:00 AM | Football
June 17, 2009
Maryland Media Relations is proud to present the fourth in a series of Q&As detailing former Terrapins' first impressions of life in the National Football League. The fourth installment of `Terps in the NFL' features Dan Gronkowski. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound tight end played in 41 career games for the Terps during the last three years, setting career highs during the 2008 season with 390 yards on 29 receptions. That production enticed the Detroit Lions to select Gronkowski in the seventh round of the 2009 NFL Draft with the second-to-last overall pick. An All-Atlantic Coast Conference nominee during his final season at Maryland, Gronkowski recently spoke with Maryland Media Relations regarding being drafted, playing with Matthew Stafford and touring Ford Field.
Media Relations: What was it like being selected with the second-to-last pick in the 2009 NFL Draft?
Dan Gronkowski: "It was a really long day, but I finally got drafted at the end. Hearing your name called is probably one of the best feelings you're ever going to have. It was a once-in-a-lifetime feeling, and I'm glad it worked out the way it did."
MR: What is it like being with a team that went winless last season and has nowhere to go but up in 2009?
Gronkowski: "It's pretty crazy here - it's basically a whole new team. They've brought in a lot of veterans, especially on defense. They brought in a whole new secondary and all new linebackers. It's going to be a totally different team out there next year, and it should definitely turn the organization around."
MR: How has it gone so far working with rookie quarterback Matthew Stafford, the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft?
Gronkowski: "It's been great. He's as good as advertised, and he throws a really good ball. The thing whistles sometimes because he throws it so hard, and it's also very accurate. He's really smart and has the whole offense down. He's definitely going to be a very good quarterback."
MR: Have you received any advice and guidance from fellow Maryland alumnus and current Detroit defensive end Eric Hicks?
Gronkowski: "Yeah, I talk to Eric a lot. We mostly talk about Maryland and College Park and the surrounding areas. We talk a lot and take advantage of our Terp connection."
MR: How did you fare in the organized training activities?
Gronkowski: "We ended OTAs about a week-and-a-half ago, and they went pretty well. There was a lot more seven-on-seven drills with just helmets on, so a lot more running than anything. But for the most part I think everything is going well for myself so far."
MR: What has been the biggest difference between professional and college football for you so far?
Gronkowski: "There're a lot shorter practices and there isn't someone to tell you what to do every second. You have to be able to know what to do yourself, and the coaches expect more from you. But as far as the practice length, it's fast-paced and quick. You get it done and you're off the field because they really try to save your body."
MR: How has being a Terp prepared you for the rigors of the NFL?
Gronkowski: "Coach (Ralph) Friedgen definitely got us well-prepared for this level. His practices were a lot tougher than here. At Maryland my days were always packed with going to classes before and after practice. Now there's a lot more free time, but that will change once the season starts."
MR: Has it sunk in yet that you are participating in professional football at its highest level?
Gronkowski: "Somewhat but not really. Once I get on the field, I think it will really kick in. We have our last preseason game in Buffalo, where I grew up, so I think that will be the time when it really sinks in."
MR: Speaking of your hometown, do you see any similarities between Detroit and Buffalo?
Gronkowski: "I do. I think Detroit is suffering a little more from the economy than Buffalo, but they're kind of similar. The weather and the suburbs around the cities are somewhat similar, so there are definitely some similarities. Canada is still just 15 minutes away."
MR: Have you had an opportunity to experience Detroit's Ford Field yet?
Gronkowski: "We actually got a tour there last week. It's a really nice complex, being an indoor stadium and all. I really look forward to playing in there, especially in the winter."
