In two-plus seasons as a pro, Falcons offensive lineman Peter Konz has been through enough dips and valleys for an entire career.
The Falcons selected Konz in the second round of the 2012 draft. He started at right guard as a rookie in 2012 and opened 2013 as the starting center before he was replaced by Joe Hawley and moved to guard. Konz was a reserve to start this season and is the starting center again because of a season-ending injury to Hawley.
We talked to Konz about his career so far, reuniting with former Wisconsin teammate Gabe Carimi and the challenges of being a first-time father (edited for clarity and space).
Q: What’s your pro journey been like so far? It seems like you’ve been here forever, but you really haven’t.
A: (Laughs). Yeah, right? It's been a lot of ups and downs. I think I've grown a lot as far as being a man and knowing what responsibilities I have. If you don't play well, you've just got to admit it and admit your faults and where you have to get better. Not only that, you have the responsibility to improve.That's really where I've been trying to grow the most.
Q: Wisconsin has a long tradition of turning out NFL linemen. Is that a source of pride for you guys?
A: Absolutely. It's a source of motivation. Knowing that you have a responsibility to maintain a certain standard, I think that drives us. I know it drives Gabe and it drives me. I can speak for a lot of guys around the league that come from Wisconsin that it motivates us.
Q: What’s it been like to be back on the same team with Gabe this year?
A: It's been a lot of fun. Sometimes it gets hard, when you are on your own, to keep pushing as hard as you can. With teammates and with team, you always do better than you can individually. When Gabe came in here in the offseason, I had someone day-in and day-out to help with technique, film, weight room, nutrition, you name it. You have a guy encouraging you 24/7. It's especially good with a guy like Gabe. We were roommates for three years at Wisconsin. That kind of positive influence just helps me.
Q: What do you like to do when not playing football?
A: I've got a little 3-month old boy now, Owen, so most of my time goes directly to him. Feeding, trying to get him to take naps, playing with him. When I say playing, I mean jingling little toys and making noises and peek-a-boo. That's where all my energy goes now.
Q: What’s it like being a new dad?
A: It's been quite a transition in my life. Before I could go out to the movies whenever I wanted or out to eat whenever I wanted, take naps whenever I wanted. I like to say to my wife that I was single before I had a kid. It's so much more responsibility making sure he has everything he needs to grow. There's such an emphasis on nutrition and mental stimulation at that age. Anybody is just trying to give their kid the best start they can.
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