The Story of Gunner

If anyone out there needs a perfect example of someone who works their tail off to accomplish their dreams, look no further than the recent Patriots UDFA WR/CB/ST Gunner Olszewski. Coming from Division 2 Bemidji State in Minnesota, Olszewski played both football and baseball. Going into his junior year, both the Minnesota Twins and the Philadelphia Phillies were looking at Gunner for a baseball career. During the first game of the season with scouts in attendance, Gunner broke his hand in 3 places, ending his season. When he wasn’t drafted, he decided to persue his football career.

After going undrafted, Gunner didn’t give up. On May 23rd, he was spotted sporting the white #72 he was handed at Patriots practice. Everyone wrote off Olszewski as an attempted DB-turned-WR “Edelman hopeful”. That didn’t stop him whatsoever. Gunner stayed put in New England for the preseason.

Gunner was mainly used as a return man, both with kicks and punts. If he was to make the 53 man roster, it would be as a core special teamer. He impressed both the coaches and the fanbase as a whole with his energetic runs and high motor. People actually were starting to take this kid seriously as a possible practice squad candidate.

With the final preseason game finished and the cutdown day looming, Gunner had done all he could have done. He had made an impression on the Patriots, both on the field and in the locker room and all D2 athletes everywhere. That magical run had seemed to fall short, as Gunner was notified that he would be released, along with dozens of his preseason teammates. People started to hope that he would return on the practice squad, hoping that he wouldn’t be scooped up by another team. But in the most possible Patriot move imaginable, with around 15 minutes remaining until the 4:00 deadline, the Patriots traded CB Keion Crossen to Houston. Watching college football at punter Jake Bailey’s house, Gunner received a second phone call from the organization, letting him know that he had made the final team.

Now with a job as a pro football player, Gunner isn’t satisfied. He is been working at WR and a PR, but is versatile enough to play all over the field. But for all the young athletes out there who feel like the world is against them, take a look at the New England Patriots on sundays. This kid is just like you, proving everyone wrong. The NFL better watch out. You got Gunner gunning for his dreams, and nothing will get in his way of them.