Bruce Gradkowski glad to be moving on

Bruce Gradkowski was claimed off waivers by the Rams last week and he's now getting down to business in St. Louis.

Talking to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, he admits Tampa wasn't the place for him given his fall down the depth chart and the team's number of quarterbacks. Click here to check out the article.

"I kind of wanted something to happen," he said. "I had two years there, but I knew as an opportunity, that wasn't the spot for me right now as a young guy. I was happy to get out of there."

He added: "Things didn't go as well as I'd planned, but it was a great learning experience. I think it helped me tremendously, just getting a feel for the game, how things work in the NFL, the speed of things, getting used to being in the huddle with the guys. . . I know I can play in this league, for sure."

Comments

[Wags]

PLEASE when I hear ignorant comments like that from a guy who was here two years too many it makes me sick ... Gradowski would struggle to be an average arena league QB!!!! AT BEST

[Herb]

Wags, i think you're really looking for a negative comment that wasn't there. I suggest that you actually read the article in the link.

[Duane]

Gee, how come he didn't bash Gruden. Oh, wait, that will come in six months when writers start saying how 'Grad left with bad taste in his mouth. Thanks for the update, Stephen and I wasn't refering to you.

[Kurt]

Al Saunders, considered one of the best offensive coordinators in the league, thinks he's good enough to make his team. Maybe the rest of you armchair coaches should think about that.

[Bryan]

Making the team and being a starter are two different things entirely. I doubt he'll ever even be the #1 backup QB, but I wish him well he did his best to make the grade here. I just hope he doesn't get splinters warming the bench, but hey, bench warmers make a decent wage and it beats working for a living. Speaking of Al Saunders, what else would you expect him to say they just picked him right?

[Krutch]

Bruce's career seems like it will be with 4 different teams and he may finally get a shot due to injury in 8 more years. Maybe like a Damon Huard situation. Don't give up on him yet, but noone can expect him to be the next Tom Brady (late round draft pick that absolutely excels). I agree with him that he had NO chance in Tampa though.

[derek]

first joe hamilton now gradkowski.. maybe he will excel in the arena league its better than not getting a chance anywhere

[Jason]

Actually, Grads would be perfect for Arena ball. He is accurate in short distances, has some mobility and has some leadership qualities. He wouldn't have to worry about the deep ball because the field is only 50 yds.

[Matt]

Yeah, he can play in this league. He can't play well, but he can play. Why three teams wanted this guy is beyond me. What a waste of a roster space.

[Tony]

Gradkowski is a young guy with some pretty good physical skills, he also has a desire to succeed. He was a good teammate here and gave his 110%, no hard feeling here, shouldn't be. His comments have already been taken out of context by Duemig, some other media hater will likely do the same, however there is no animosity in Gradkowski's comments.

[Greg]

Bruce,
It was fun watching you as a rookie performing like a champ.It had to be tough stepping in with zero experience. But, you you gave us a lot of hope and performed beyond expectations. Not all of the players gave you the extra effort. I won't forget your contribution. Best of luck with your new team. Thanks for not bashing the people that gave you an opportunity.

[Adam]

Gradkowski fails to mention that thing didn't go as planned because he sucked out loud. This guy had the starting job HANDED to him on a silver platter. If he performed, he'd still be the starter. He didn't, so he's gone.

[Scorps1]

I read the original article and Gradkowski did not say anything negative about Tampa or his time here. In my opinion he handled the situation with class. Can't look at what he did here as an indication of the future as a lot of rookie QB's "suck out loud". Most don't even get into a regular season game their first year. With the proper development he could be a starter in a few years.

[DR]

What's worse, a rookie QB playing not so good, playing like a rookie, or a veteran like Simms playing worse than a rookie before Grad had to step in? Simms is just flat out god awful. I wouldn't blame Grad for having hard feelings towards the Bucs. It's only human to be a little bitter when you think you deserved another chance, a better opportunity.

[dontae]

wow SADkowski is blasting the bucs, he was the starter at once a point a time, gruden cant help that he didnt have the strong arm to complete the deep ball

[Bucs Fan]

I don't think he was bashing us. However, he fails to mention that he was a starter and did not perform well at all. In fact, he was given several games to show off his skills. He failed, now he's gone. If he gets a chance to start in St Louis, then you really know their season has gone down hill.

[DR]

Bucs fan, you're a moron! Grad failed as a rookie for a team with no talent. If he plays in St Louis, at least he will have a WR that is worth a crap, that can catch a tough ball. I'm talking about a real WR named Torry Holt.
Even Manning had a terrible rookie season, as far as wins go. There isn't a rookie QB that has done much in NFL history. Maybe one or two. So go ahead and be a hater of Grad for whatever stupid reason you have.

[Bucs U]

Torry Holt is a 2nd receiver at best on any good team. He just so happens to be on a piss poor team so he stands out more. He puts up good yards between the 20's but can't cash it in! He averages 8 TD's per year... "NEWS FLASH" GRAHAM HAD 10 IN LESS THAN A FULL SEASON... Is he good, heck yeah, but certainly not great. Now..... These illusions of grandure for Gradkowski are absolutely hillarious!!! He is Ryan Leaf without the first round hype!! And oh yeah, he is going somewhere with a line that is worse than our line ever was. Gradkowski?!?!?!
GOOD BYE THANK GOD!!!!!!

[DR]

I shouldn't even respond to one of the most ridiculous posts I have ever seen. Holt a 2nd WR???? Only averages 8 TDs per season????? Thats weak???? Then you compare him to EG. You know what, there is nothing to say to that dumb crap. My dog can argue better than you. My dog knows more football than you.
thanks for the laugh.

[denny]

WATCHED BRUCE PLAY 4 YEARS AT TOLEDO. HES NOT ONLY A WINNER,BUT A TRUE LEADER. GIVING A REAL CHANCE TO PLAY AND GOOD BLOCKING,BRUCE WILL BE ON OF THE BEST. NOT EVEN THE BEST QUARTERBACKS RARELY START THEIR ROOKIE YEAR. HE DID,AND DID PRETTY WELL. GO BRUCE AND YOUR #7 JERSEY IS STILL WORN HERE. YOU'LL ALWAYS BE MISSED HERE.