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Mike Gesicki – October 20, 2021 Download PDF version

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

TE Mike Gesicki

(You had a really good game on Sunday and it seemed like you were able to really find the pockets in zone coverage. I know we talk a lot about a quarterback deciphering man versus zone. But as a tight end or receiver really, what’s the pre-snap recognition like for you in terms of finding the pockets?) – “For me, just understanding different tendencies in the defense. Who is going to be on you if it’s man? Trying to understand how they disguise different things and then while you’re running the route is the most basic way. If somebody is following you or are they not following you? Pre-snap you can kind of get a good idea and then post-snap you’re going to know immediately. That’s the biggest thing. Zone coverage, really getting depths in routes, understanding spacing. And then man coverage, being able to win.”

(What’s it like now getting more time with QB Tua Tagovailoa since he’s been gone…?) – “Yeah, it’s good. It’s been great. Tua has obviously been here now. I’ve gotten plenty of work with him since the day we drafted him. I feel like chemistry is there and all of that kind of stuff, so nothing new with that. It’s obviously good to have him back and good for him to get reps and that kind of thing.”

(I believe you spent time with TE Kyle Pitts at the Tight End University this summer and then he was here for the joint practices. I was wondering what your impressions are of him from one tight end to another?) – “Obviously extremely talented and very versatile in what he can do. I think he’s shown that. I know that he had a big game in London a week before. He’s obviously very talented and he’s definitely a matchup for them to utilize. I think week in and week out, there are a lot of talented guys out there, and he’s obviously one of them.”

(Did you interact with TE Kyle Pitts at all at Tight End U and did he pick your brain?) – “He didn’t ask me anything. There were a lot of other guys to talk to other then Mike Gesicki. (laughter) But he was there. He’s a good kid. I talked to him a little bit. I’m happy for him. He had a good start to his career. I wish him the best and all of that.”

(What kind of progress are you making on your hurdling game? You got caught in the air a little bit.) – “I will not quit the hurdling game. If there is an opportunity, which there probably wasn’t an opportunity on that one. (laughter) It is what it is. Get the ball in your hands and try to make a play. That is all that was.”

(Coaches tell you anything when you got back to the sideline after that play?) – “Nothing. Nothing.”

(Is it almost worse when the don’t say anything?) – “(laughter) No. You saw me. I get up, I go nuts, I run around the field and act like we just won the Super Bowl. That’s just the way I play and how I act. Just having fun out there. I’m not really worried about it.”

(Your celebrations when you get a first down, and the enthusiasm. Do you find that to be infectious with the guys?) – “You try to go out there and have fun, and you see the guys having fun out there. That’s why we do what we do, honestly. We put in a lot of work, we put in a lot of time, a lot of extra work that nobody really sees. You go out there and make a play, go enjoy yourself, go have fun. And then the next play mentality, be ready to go and do it again. That’s the way I play and the way I carry myself. I like to have fun.”

(I think you missed only one game in your pro career. I don’t remember if you had a similar track record at Penn State. What do you attribute to your ability to stay on the field?) – “A lot of it’s probably luck, honestly. It’s a physical game. You could get rolled up on the wrong way or be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But also, you try to put in a lot of work into your body and the weight room, stretching and tubs, and everything and anything that you can do to stay durable and stay out there. You always hear everybody say, ‘your best ability is your availability.’ If you can be out there making plays, it’s better than not. That’s what I try to do. Some guys are not as lucky, but it’s just the way the game goes.”   

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