As former Nebraska football player Thomas Fidone impresses scouts at the Senior Bowl, the tight end has been reflecting on how he got to where he is.
When the smoke cleared on the 2024 season, there was some hope that Fidone might stick around for one more season. However, it was hardly shocking when he decided it was time for the next thing. Between some purported issues with coaches and injuries during his Husker career, the big tight end decided it was time to go where the grass was greener.
"Those injuries helped me become the player and the person I am today mentally and physically," the former Nebraska football player told 247Sports at the Senior Bowl. "I think it helped me as a player and I'm better from it. I think I just showed my competitiveness as a person and a player. A lot of people won't do that. But I did and I came back faster and stronger than I've ever been."
Ex-Nebraska football tight end is confident going pro was the right call
Fidone measured in at the Senior Bowl with the biggest wingspan and hand size among tight ends competing in the showcase event, measuring in at 6-foot-4, 3/8 inches and 241 pounds. While that size is imposing, he’s also showed scouts that he’s not just a blocking tight end.
Some of the catches and moves he’s made have blown onlookers away. And broken down some preconceived notions about what kind of player he could be at the next level.
While he didn’t find the endzone in 2024, the tight end had a career year otherwise. He logged 36 catches for 373 yards. According to PFF, his 62.5 rating was hardly something that is going to blow anyone away. However, he did post a 77.1 rating on pass blocking. That alone could draw some eyeballs from NFL scouts.
The Senior Bowl takes place on Saturday afternoon at 1:30pm. The game is on the NFL Network and will allow the former Nebraska football star to show what he can do against an All-Star squad.