The latest twist in Harland Gunn’s NFL journey has him starting at left guard for the Falcons on Sunday at the Giants days after he was signed off their practice quad. Gunn will replace injured starter Justin Blalock.
Gunn wasn’t drafted out of the University of Miami in 2012 and was signed by the Cowboys. After Dallas cut him Gunn ended up on the Saints’ practice squad until the Falcons signed him to their 53-man roster for the final six weeks. Gunn didn’t play in a game that season, played in three games for the Falcons in 2013 and began this season on the practice squad.
We talked to Gunn about his career, background and interests (edited for clarity).
Q. What’s it been like for you to be on and off NFL rosters so often?
A. It's been up-and-down but overall it's been enjoyable. I tell everybody, you see the roster changes, the practice squad, active here and there over the years. For somebody like me who was undrafted, that's expected. Overall, I've had fun.
Q. What did you learn from your playing experience last season?
A. How to prepare. In the early years of your career, there is a lot of learning going on. I've learned the parts of preparation leading up to the game, body prep before and after practice. How to be a pro in this business.
Q. How does a guy from Omaha end up at Miami?
A. I was 16 at the time. Miami just simply gave me a scholarship before Nebraska. I went with who liked me the most. I liked Miami. I went down there for an unofficial visit and met the coaches. That's what really sold me. So I had to go.
Q. How did they find you? Is that an area they normally recruited?
A. Not really. My high school coach knew I had an interest in going out of state. He made a highlight tape and sent it to random schools and Miami liked it.
Q. What do you like to do when not playing football?
A. Just hang out the house. Watch some TV. Do some relaxing. I might play a little video game now and then. That's about it.
Q. What’s your favorite video game?
A. "Call of Duty" but they say there's a new game out, "Destiny," that I've got to check out.
Q. What is the favorite car you’ve owned?
A. Probably the car I've got right now, my Dodge Challenger.
Q. What is your favorite food?
A. That's tough, man. I've got so many. There are these barbecue chicken nachos that I really like in Atlanta.
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