Gunner Olszewski isn’t entering his third year with the New England Patriots from being a purely talented player.
The gifted punt returner earned every second of playing time following his years as a DII defensive back from Bemidji State. Olszewski has a total of seven receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown with the Patriots, bust most of his production has come from special teams. The 24-year-old was named First-Team All-Pro in 2020 because of his outstanding production — recording a touchdown and a 17.3 yard average per punt.
Entering the 2021 season, he’s not slowing down. According to NESN, Olszewski made a quick trip home to Texas and got an early start back in Foxborough.
“It’s been going good, we’ve got a group of guys up there,” Olszewski said to NESN.com. “Got rollin’ pretty quick. We had a longer offseason cause we didn’t play in January, which is obviously never the goal. You wanna be playing football games into January.
“So, I kinda got rolling in February.”
Olszewski knows his roster spot isn’t guaranteed, so he stayed close to make sure he put in every ounce of work necessary.
“I like being close to work, so I stayed in Foxboro for the most part,” he said. “Took a couple trips, but being around the area reminds me what I’m doing and how I need to work. So, I like to stay close. Just lifting, running, all that stuff you need to do to prepare for a long season.”
Olszewski’s attitude fits perfectly with the ‘Patriot Way.’
“Bigger, stronger, faster — that’s the goal every year,” he said. “It’s fun seeing yourself grow as a player when you work hard. I say, ‘Hard work pays off, but it don’t owe you nothing.’ You still gotta go out there and do it. Just because you worked hard doesn’t mean you’re gonna be successful.
“But it definitely gives you a little jump start. … I’m in good shape and I’m strong, ready to roll.”
Training camp begins next week and the race for the 53-man roster will begin.
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