Jennifer Hoffer – Sports Editor
Former tight end for the Owls, Jerome Cunningham has not given up on his football dreams of someday playing professionally.
Cunningham has had some experience with the pro players as he visited and participated in the Indianapolis Colts mini camp last year and was invited to participate at the Detroit Lions combine this past weekend.
“It was a great experience,” Cunningham said. “Saturday was filled with tests and measurements.”
Cunningham said that it was a busy weekend for him as he arrived to the Marriot Hotel on Saturday April 12th. After receiving his room key, he said he then had to complete the NFL’s PAT test.
“The PAT test was an hour long,” Cunningham said. “After completing the test I had to sign waivers and health forms. Later that night there was a team meeting and Wonderlic testing which test a person’s learning ability and show a person’s personality traits.”
After completion of the Wonderlic test Cunningham said that the players were lined up by position.
“With our shirts off, our height and weight was said aloud so that all 32 teams could write it down,” Cunningham said. “After everyone’s name was called, all the tight ends went up stairs. This is where we participated in the 225lb max rep bench press.”
Cunningham said that he achieved 23 reps which was fourth best of the day.
“Sunday was filled with on field drills,” Cunningham said. “We participated in the 40 yard dash, vertical jump, board jump, pro agility, l drill, and route running drills.”
Cunningham said that last years experience at the Colt’s minicamp was a similar experience.
“I really got an idea on how professional athletes spend their days by going to this camp,” Cunningham said. “We woke up at 6 a.m. We finished at 8 p.m. We were allowed break in between. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner were served buffet style. Even though I didn’t receive a contract I learned valuable techniques and got tips that will hopefully help me make an NFL roster someday.”
Cunningham said that it was a shock to him playing alongside professional players. But then he settled down and started to get more focused.
“I was so focused on learning the plays and getting adjusted that I didn’t have time to worry about other players,” Cunningham said. “Once the ball is snapped it’s just football and all the nerves and jitters seem to just melt away.
Cunningham said he noticed that professional athletes get treated differently.
“Instead of someone calling Jerome, they would call me Mr. Cunningham,” Cunningham said. “It was a great experience and I was excited to receive my second opportunity.”
Even though Cunningham has been playing football for the last eight years of his life, he said that being at these combines and mini camps has really shown him that it’s a totally different game in the NFL.
“The NFL is a business and I experience the business side of football,” Cunningham said. “If you can’t play at the next level they can’t afford to keep you on the team. I have learned that you must make plays and take full advantage of every resource to make you better. If you don’t you won’t make it. Opportunities don’t go away they just go to the next person.”
Cunningham said not getting a call back from a team that they are interested is discouraging but he always keeps his motivation going.
“I love that feeling when you accomplish something with your personal hard work,” Cunningham said. “Former Pittsburg Steelers Linebacker James Harrison was cut 9 times before he made it. Faith will take you a long way. If you’re confident in your abilities it will take you a long way. My confidence and faith help me to attend these combines.”
What exactly motivates Cunningham to keep doing this? His mother.
“An athlete can potentially make a lot of money playing the NFL,” Cunningham said. “I know that if I manage my money well I can give her back all she gave to me. Also, all my friends and family keep me motivated. People get excited when I’m doing well with football.”
Playing at Southern allowed Cunningham the ability to really solidify his position at tight end. Cunningham said that he realized that coming out of high school he was a great pass catcher but he was terrible at blocking.
“But that’s what tight ends need,” Cunningham said. “The ability to catch and block. I was forced to become a better blocker to receive additional playing time. This has helped me to become the complete tight end who can run, catch, and block.”
Cunningham said he credits a lot of his improvements in his game to former Southern head coach, Rich Cavanaugh.
“He’s taught me that there are going to be situations in a game and life that will not going to go in your favor,” Cunningham said. “Good teams and successful people don’t dwell on misfortunes. They worry of the next play or next segment in life.”
As Cunningham continues to go in and out of football combines and mini camps in hopes to get a call back, he continues to stay in shape.
“I workout at the field house during REC hours and at the EDGE fitness located in Hamden,” Cunningham said. “I do polymeric training, sprint training, and weight training. A combination of all three keeps me strong, flexible, and fast.”
All in all, Cunningham said that he loves the camaraderie aspect of football and that’s why he’s still playing.
“I love being around my teammates,” Cunningham said. “It great when your friends strive for the same goals.”
