**IOWA CITY, Iowa--** One of the most shocking developments during the early part of the offseason was that Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski was not invited to the NFL Combine. It was especially surprising considering he is the winningest quarterback in college football history. His dual-threat ability and overall leadership should have been enough to earn him an invitation.
"The real frustrating part about that whole experience was that I had a Combine invite last year, but I didn't get one this year," Gronowski told reporters on Tuesday afternoon. "I don't understand how that works. I had a bunch of people, including Coach Kirk Ferentz, call on my behalf. With someone like him advocating for you, you'd think it would help get the ball rolling."
"At the end of the day, you can't control those things. When it came down to it, I knew I had to have a good weekend at the East-West Shrine Bowl because that would be one of the few opportunities I had to get in front of teams and show what I could do since I didn't have the Combine. I knew this Pro Day was going to mean a lot more for me than it might for some of the other guys. I just focused on that and didn't worry about all the uncontrollables."
The one-year Hawkeye starter was a star at the East-West Shrine Bowl. Gronowski completed 7-of-10 passes for 86 yards, while rushing for 28 yards and blocking two defenders on the goal line to help set up a touchdown that helped lead the West squad to a 21-17 win over the East. He was named MVP of the game.
Gronowski has been an underdog throughout his entire football career. He received only one scholarship offer coming out of high school—to FCS powerhouse South Dakota State. Every step of the way, he has scratched and battled his way to success.
When he transferred to Iowa, he immediately became a fan favorite due to his charismatic personality, leadership, and on-field production. He was voted a team captain for every game during his lone season as a Hawkeye.
He completed 166-of-262 passes for 1,741 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His legs were also a major factor in the Hawkeyes' offensive improvement, as he added 545 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground.
"To have people counting me out like that just adds another chip on my shoulder—especially once I get to the NFL and make a roster," Gronowski said. "That's going to be pretty fun."
Gronowski added that he felt he had a terrific Pro Day on Monday. He didn't waste any time and wanted to showcase both his arm strength and decision-making. The big-bodied quarterback is a more-than-capable runner who could add value to an NFL roster. Some in the media have compared him to Taysom Hill, the Saints' versatile "Swiss Army knife," but Gronowski noted that he has only taken reps at quarterback.
Gronowski has a couple of top-30 visits scheduled with teams, though he declined to name them. Despite all his accolades, stats, wins, and relationships, people are once again discounting what he can bring to a locker room and to the football field.
It's not an unfamiliar position for him. He's comfortable there—and eager to prove he has what it takes to be a mainstay in the NFL.
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