Graham Mertz explains process of figuring out injury after big play and finishing 2023 off the field

Florida quarterback Graham Mertz had a breakout season with his new team in Gainesville, completing 72.9% of his passes for 2,903 yards, while tossing in 20 touchdowns with three interceptions. Unfortunately for Mertz, he suffered a season-ending collarbone injury against the Missouri Tigers, a game that his team ended up losing in a 33-31 heartbreaker. On Wednesday night, Mertz joined the Andy Staples podcast to explain the process of figuring out his injury in the game and finishing his 2023 campaign on the sidelines.

Graham Mertz on his injury and finishing out the 2023 campaign

How much adrenaline was surging through him after he trucked two players in the Missouri game? “A lot. A lot. I didn’t feel anything. I saw my teammates fired up on the sideline. I was a little juiced up,” Mertz said.

“So, I got the snap, then I put I think it was my left hand down with the ball. And I just felt a crumble in there. Wasn’t a good feeling. (Laughs),” Mertz said.

How tough was it watching the final couple of weeks from the sidelines? “I mean, I’ve never. My whole career in college as a starter. I’ve never been out for a game. So, my whole time at Wisconsin. Played in every game. I might not have finished a few. But, never been in that situation. It was good for me,” Mertz said.

“I mean I think being out that whole week and learning, kind of seeing from a different lense. I mean, it gives you a different insight on how you can improve your preparation. How you can mentor guys. Being on a field and not playing, it was interesting,” the Gators quarterback said.

“I was watching the game and then they were like hey we’ve got to interview you. I was like, ‘Wait. What?’ I didn’t know they did that. (Laughs),” the former Wisconsin quarterback responded.

Did his first year at Florida meet his expectations? How did he feel coming into it and how did he feel at the end of the year?

“Yeah, I mean, I think back to my time in the portal. And the uncertainty of where I was going. It happened so quick. And I came down here and met with the coaches. Met with the staff. And I was like, ‘This is the place I need to be,’ the Florida signal-caller continued.

“And for me, coming in and just seeing how much time, effort, energy they put into me and developing me. From the start, it was all about work. That’s what this whole year was about. So, it’s been absolutely awesome. Exceeded my expectations. I love this place with all my heart. And that’s why….I ended up getting to that decision,” Mertz said on Wednesday.