Nebraska tight end Thomas Fidone left the Huskers to pursue a professional career with little fanfare — an Instagram post of photos and highlights marking the extent of his announcement.
Now in Mobile, Alabama, for the Senior Bowl a few weeks later, Fidone explained his decision saying the time was right for him to move on to the next step in his career despite having an available season of eligibility left in college.
«Between my agents and my family, obviously I had an extra year, but we all felt it was time for me to take the next step,» Fidone told 247Sports on Wednesday. «We all know what I can do as a football player and I fully believe in myself more than anybody else. I know I’m going to come to the next level an excel, and compete against the best people.»
Fidone measured in at the Senior Bowl with the biggest wingspan and hand size among tight ends competing in the showcase event, measuring in at 6-foot-4, 3/8 inches and 241 pounds. The former four-star recruit has made several tough catches in drill work and said he’s eager to show he can be a complete player for NFL teams.
Fidone’s Husker career got off to a slow start as he battled back from a pair of knee injuries. He appeared in 25 games and made 17 starts over the last two seasons. Fidone made 61 catches for 633 yards and four touchdowns.
Fidone said he’s appreciative of the tough times he went through in Lincoln.
«Those injuries helped me become the player and the person I am today mentally and physically,» Fidone said. «I think it helped me as a player and I’m better from it. I think I just showed my competitiveness as a person and a player. A lot of people won’t do that. But I did and I came back faster and stronger than I’ve ever been.»
The Senior Bowl takes place Saturday at 1:30 p.m. CT and will televised on the NFL Network. Fidone said he wants to show teams he can thrive at the next level.
«Just that I’m a great tight end all around and I can do anything,» Fidone said of what he’s hoping to show. «Anything anybody asks me to do, I’ll do it. I don’t care if you ask me to play quarterback, long snapper, I’m going to be the best at whatever I do.»