All Michael Zweifel wanted was a chance to show he can play in the NFL and he will get a chance next week. Zweifel was invited to tryout for the Green Bay Packers after setting the all time NCAA record for career receptions with 463.
He was the division three player of the year this past season after leading the University of Dubuque to the Iowa Conference championship and a trip to the national playoffs.
Zweifel will attend the rookie camp May 10th through the 15th. Zweifel knows that as an undrafted player it will be tougher to land a roster spot.
“The odds are kind of stacked against me, but there’s different guys from my position that have gotten this invite and have gone on and done well. I’m hoping that that will be the case, but the Packers have great receivers. It’s going to be tough to kind of catch on with them, but who knows, you never know what is going to happen,” he says.
Zweifel says one way undrafted players can earn a job is to show they can contribute on special teams. “I would be willing to do anything they asked me to. On special teams, I’ve returned punts in college, run down on kickoffs, I would throw my body at the wedge or something…anything that can get me on the team,” Zweiful says.
Zweifel says he appreciates the chance to try and realize his dream. “Growing up as a little kid you always dream of playing in the NFL…I just want to have a lot of fun and enjoy the moment.”
Zweifel is following the same path another former Iowa college player took to the NFL and he eventually made it, Kurt Warner. “Things change in the NFL day-to-day…you never know what could happen,” Zweiful says.
Zweifel set a division three single season record for receptions with 140 in 2011.