Gunner Olszewski is a New England Patriot.
He’s the same kid that played Division II football last year as a defensive back, and was converted to wide receiver in the NFL. His story is incredible, and his ability to make the 53-man roster for New England is even more incredible.
Regardless of the excitement that surrounds him, he’s just ready to go to work and do his job.
“It was a roller coaster. That’s the best way to describe it,” Olszewski said on Sunday, via ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “For one second you think, ‘I don’t know what’s going on.’ The next second, ‘I’m a Patriot.’ At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter how it happened. What happened is I’m a Patriot now. I’m just proud to be here, and proud to go to work.”
Olszewski came into New England undrafted during the team’s rookie minicamp as a tryout player. He ascended throughout the offseason, and will likely take over as a return specialist to begin — similar to Julian Edelman. He’ll also help Edelman stay healthy and focused by taking over the punt returner position.
All he could do after the Patriots’ final preseason game was hope — and he patiently waited for the phone call.
“Those five hours felt like about 24,” Olszewski said. “It ended on a high note, so it was all worth it.”
Now, his primary goal is to keep that job.
