Mark Gronowski has chosen to enter the transfer portal to play one last season of college football at Iowa instead of declaring for the NFL Draft, which would have meant taking a pay cut as a professional.
The Hawkeyes have offered him a lucrative NIL deal with six figures!
Once an unranked recruit with just one scholarship offer, Gronowski became a standout player at South Dakota State over his four years, leading the team to two college football national championships in 2022 and 2023. He was recognized as the best offensive player in the FCS while helping the Jackrabbits achieve a remarkable 39-6 record during that time.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 230 pounds, the quarterback completed 63.5% of his passes for 10,330 yards, throwing 93 touchdowns against only 20 interceptions during his four seasons in Brookings. Additionally, he rushed for 1,767 yards and scored 37 rushing touchdowns.
Like many athletes in today’s collegiate landscape, a standout player from a small school faced a tough choice after an impressive career. At 23 years old, Mark Gronowski had the option to remain at South Dakota State, enter the NFL Draft in hopes of being chosen in the later rounds, or “transfer up.”
Gronowski opted for the latter option—he got paid to transfer! Upon entering the transfer portal, he experienced a huge surge of interest.
“The crazy thing was all the messages and calls I received. I had over 100 missed texts and about 20 missed calls just on the first day I was in the portal.”
Mark Gronowski, via NBC5
He ultimately decided that Iowa was the best fit for him for several reasons.
“I wanted to learn an NFL-style offense and be surrounded by coaches who could help me become a better player. I looked at other schools, but Iowa has a winning culture similar to what we have at SDSU, and it really felt like home after my visit.”
Mark Gronowski, via NBC5
Financial considerations were also a significant factor in Gronowski’s decision, as the Hawkeyes reportedly guaranteed him over $ 1,000,000.
“It’s huge for my life and my family’s future. Starting out with some extra money can set you up long-term, which is really helpful. In the NFL, nothing is guaranteed; you could be on a team one week and cut the next, but with NIL opportunities, there are more guarantees.”
Mark Gronowski, via NBC5
If everything goes as planned, Iowa could contend for a national championship next season, and that would mean Gronowski could earn at least $ 83,000 a month over the next year.
Here’s the catch… he may not even be the starter! Mark Gronowski will compete with the current starter, Brendan Sullivan, who transferred in from Northwestern last offseason, and Hank Brown, a former three-star recruit who came from Auburn. Regardless of whether he becomes QB1, QB2, or QB3, he’s assured of his financial guarantee!
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