Halapio Battles Through Rookie Year
Friday, April 3, 2015 | Football
Leading up to start of the 2015 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 30, GatorZone.com is going to check in with some of our current Gators in the NFL to see how they have transitioned to the next level.
This week, we caught up with Jon Halapio (@Jhalapio67), who enters his second season with the Denver Broncos. Halapio played in 51 games with 43 career starts on the offensive line in his time at Florida.
After battling through a torn pectoral muscle in his senior year at Florida, he was drafted in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Denver signed him to their practice squad last December and he is currently on the Broncos active offseason roster.
1. What was your first season in the NFL like?
After being originally drafted by the Patriots, I got cut in August and later got picked up by the Denver Broncos. There were a lot of up and downs last season, but it was a blast through it all.
2. While at Florida, what helped prepare you the most for the NFL?
Coming out of college, what helped me the most was how physically and mentally demanding it was playing at UF. That helped me overcome any rookie wall or adversity I was going through this past season.
3. What has been the biggest difference between playing at Florida and being in the NFL?
The biggest difference is how much of a pro all the players are technique-wise. Everyone is so focused on technique at this level that it's rare to play against or practice against anyone that doesn't know what they are doing or how to do something in their position.
4. What do you hope to improve in the offseason to prepare for next year?
Through training this offseason, I hope to improve my athletic ability and continue on working on my strength for next season.
5. Was there a moment during training camp or the season that was your “Welcome to the NFL” moment?
Last year during camp, all the rookies had to perform in the “rookie shows” in front of all the vets and the coaching staff.
