Gino Gradkowski
Gino Gradkowski (born November 5, 1988) is a former American football center. He played college football at the University of Delaware. He was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
![]() Gradkowski with the Jets in 2018 | |||||||
No. 66, 63, 75 | |||||||
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Position: | Center | ||||||
Personal information | |||||||
Born: | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | November 5, 1988||||||
Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | ||||||
Weight: | 300 lb (136 kg) | ||||||
Career information | |||||||
High school: | Seton-La Salle Catholic (Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania) | ||||||
College: | Delaware | ||||||
NFL Draft: | 2012 / Round: 4 / Pick: 98 | ||||||
Career history | |||||||
* Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||
Career highlights and awards | |||||||
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Career NFL statistics as of 2018 | |||||||
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Player stats at PFR |
College career
Gradkowski played college football as a guard and a center. He began his career playing for West Virginia University. He later transferred to the University of Delaware.[1] He started all fifteen games as a junior.[2]
Professional career
Baltimore Ravens
Gradkowski was drafted in the 4th round (98th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.[3] In his first season with the team, the Ravens won Super Bowl XLVII.[4] The game's MVP was Joe Flacco, who was also a transfer to the Delaware Blue Hens. With the retirement of Matt Birk following the 2012 season, Gradkowski became the starting center for the Ravens.[5]
Denver Broncos
Gradkowski was traded to the Denver Broncos on April 1, 2015, for draft picks.[6] He was waived by the Broncos on September 6.[7]
Atlanta Falcons
Gradkowski was picked up off waivers by the Atlanta Falcons on September 7, 2015.[8]
Carolina Panthers
On March 10, 2016, Gradkowski signed a three-year, $3.15 million free agent contract with the Carolina Panthers. He also received a $400,000 signing bonus with $450,000 guaranteed. With Pro Bowler Ryan Kalil starting at center, Gradkowski would act as the backup center and guard.[9] When Kalil left with a shoulder injury in Week 11, Gradkowski became the starting center the next week before suffering a knee injury later that game. Both Gradkowski and Kalil were placed on injured reserve on November 29, 2016.[10]
On September 2, 2017, Gradkowski was placed on injured reserve.[11] He was released on September 8, 2017.
New York Jets
On August 15, 2018, Gradkowski signed with the New York Jets.[12] He was released on August 31, 2018.[13]
Denver Broncos (second stint)
On November 12, 2018, Gradkowski signed with the Denver Broncos following an injury to Matt Paradis.[14]
Personal life
Gradkowski is the younger brother of former NFL quarterback Bruce Gradkowski.[15]
References
- "Gino Gradkowski combine stats and more". NFLDraftScout.com. Retrieved August 15, 2012.
- "Ravens' fourth-round pick Gino Gradkowski at a glance." The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved July 15, 2012.
- "Ravens draft Delaware guard Gradkowski in Round 4". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved July 15, 2012.
- "Super Bowl XLVII - San Francisco 49ers vs. Baltimore Ravens - February 3rd, 2013". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
- Nicki Jhabvala (April 24, 2016). "Gino Gradkowski is eager to jump-start career with Broncos". denverpost.com. Retrieved January 15, 2018.
- Swanson, Ben (April 1, 2015). "Broncos acquire Gino Gradkowski from Ravens". Denver Broncos. Archived from the original on February 6, 2017. Retrieved September 7, 2015.
- Legwold, Jeff (September 6, 2015). "Montee Ball one of two players waived after Broncos' additions". ESPN. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
- "Falcons Awarded C Gradkowski Off Of Waivers". Atlanta Falcons. September 7, 2015. Archived from the original on January 13, 2017.
- "Gino Gradkowski player contract". Spotrac.com. Retrieved March 23, 2016.
- Henson, Max (November 29, 2016). "Ryan Kalil, Gino Gradkowski placed on IR". Panthers.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2017.
- Henson, Max (September 2, 2017). "Panthers trim roster to 53". Panthers.com. Archived from the original on September 20, 2017.
- Allen, Eric (August 15, 2018). "Jets Place Veteran T Ben Ijalana on Injured Reserve". NewYorkJets.com.
- Lange, Randy (August 31, 2018). "Jets Cut 18 Players on Their Way to 53-Player Active Roster". NewYorkJets.com.
- DiLalla, Aric (November 12, 2018). "Broncos place C Matt Paradis on IR, sign C Gino Gradkowski". DenverBroncos.com.
- "Steelers sign Pittsburgh native Bruce Gradkowski to backup Roethlisberger". Fox News Channel. March 13, 2013. Retrieved September 14, 2013.