In a story that highlights the power of perseverance and mentorship, fifth‑year kicker Luke Drzewiecki has made a lasting impact on the Minnesota Gophers in just two months. The Michigan native, who spent his first four seasons at the University of New Mexico, arrived in Minnesota after a federal court ruling opened a fifth year of eligibility for athletes from the 2022 high‑school class.
From Denver court to Minneapolis locker room
On July 31, a federal judge in Denver ruled that the 2022 class could claim a fifth year of eligibility, overturning the NCAA’s earlier exclusion. The decision was later clarified to exclude athletes who had already signed professional contracts, prompting a temporary restraining order in Louisiana for those still in the amateur ranks. Drzewiecki, who had participated in rookie minicamp with the Baltimore Ravens earlier this spring, was among the athletes affected.
Following the ruling, Drzewiecki entered the transfer portal and chose Minnesota over three other programs, largely because special‑teams coordinator Daniel Da Prato, who had moved from New Mexico to Minnesota, reached out to him. “I’m just so grateful he thought to still reach out to me and want to bring me here,” Drzewiecki said, emphasizing the importance of the program’s culture and the life lessons he’s learning beyond football.
Immediate impact on the field
Coach P.J. Fleck and general manager Gerrit Chernoff welcomed Drzewiecki with a midnight FaceTime call in August, noting how recruiting has evolved. The kicker practiced with the team the next day and made his Gophers debut on September 12, the second game of the season.
Since then, Drzewiecki has not missed a single kick. He entered the season as the only Big Ten player without a miss and has already contributed an extra point and two field goals in a 13‑10 win over Iowa, including a 46‑yard field goal that secured the Floyd of Rosedale bronze pig trophy for the Gophers. His streak of 23 consecutive field goals – the longest active streak in the FBS – spans his final season at New Mexico and his current run with Minnesota.
Highlights include a 51‑yard field goal in a 27‑24 victory at Washington and six kicks of 40 yards or more this season. His 12 straight field goals for the Gophers sit just four short of the program record set by Dan Nystrom in 2002.
Leadership off the field
Beyond his on‑field performance, Drzewiecki has become a locker‑room presence. During the senior speech tradition at the end of training camp, he stood before the team, introduced himself, and shared personal stories, earning praise from Coach Fleck for his confidence and humility.
Quarterback Drake Lindsey, who witnessed Drzewiecki’s quick integration, recalled a moment when he told the kicker he would make a game‑winner – a prediction that came true against Iowa. “After kicks, he’s just so calm,” Lindsey said. “It’s crazy how people can step onto a football team and have such a big impact in the locker room and on the field as well.”
Looking ahead
Drzewiecki’s time with the Gophers is limited; he will graduate after this season. Nonetheless, his contributions have helped Minnesota hold three historic rivalry trophies – from Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin – simultaneously for the first time since 1978.
“I just try to get around everybody as much as I can,” Drzewiecki said. “I see somebody sitting alone and I go sit with them and reach out.” His dedication to teammates and his flawless kicking record embody the values of hard work, faith, and family that resonate with Gophers fans across the state.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
