Graham Mertz injury update: Florida QB reveals approach, timeline, prep for NFL Combine, Pro Day

Both of Graham Mertz’s seasons at Florida have now ended early with his latest injury now ending his collegiate career altogether. With that, the Gator quarterback has shared what’s next for him over the next few months in his rehab.

Mertz joined ‘The Paul Finebaum Show’ on Thursday and discussed what’s to come after tearing his ACL. That starts with the reality that college football is over for him with recovery being his next challenge. He’s now going to approach that in the same way that he would have the rest of his season.

“I mean obviously, as a competitor, you want to be able to finish the season but, for me, I mean, this is the circumstances,” said Mertz. “It’s up to me with how I treat it. I can either be woe is me or feeling sorry for myself or I can keep continuing to bring joy and happiness every day when I step into the building.”

“That’s going to be the approach,” Mertz said. “We’re going to get this thing fixed up and we’re going to attack it. It’s a little bit different adversity than I’m used to during the season but just another thing to attack, man.”

Mertz was 72-94 (76.6%) in passing this year for 791 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions at Florida. That came with a one-game absence while also splitting snaps at times with their freshman in DJ Lagway.

However, his season is over again now after his torn ACL last weekend against Tennessee.

With that, Mertz is going to focus on being back in time to give himself his chance at the NFL. That’s wishful thinking at the moment after just suffering it less than a week ago but is his plan ahead of the draft.

“Yeah, I think the biggest thing for me right now is just getting this thing fixed,” said Mertz. “Obviously, everybody’s got different timelines but, in my mind, I’m looking forward to getting back. Being able to do a pro day, hopefully get to the combine and throw.”

“I mean, obviously, that’s me thinking positive. I don’t really know yet but that’s what I’m shooting for,” said Mertz. “Just getting a little better every day. Each day that goes by, you’re getting a little bit better.”

Finebaum did ask Mertz if he’d considered anything else beyond the field, especially with an education sciences degree following six years at Florida and Wisconsin. That hasn’t entered his mind, though, with all of his focus on his football future.

“I think the biggest thing for me is, look, I love the game of football. I’m going to do everything I can to get back, be healthy, and set myself up to go play. For me, that’s the main focus,” said Mertz. “Haven’t really thought about the other thing. I mean, obviously, I’ve had a lot of time in college to think about that stuff. For me, I’m not sure yet to be completely honest.”

Mertz would be a later selection to begin with before his recent injury history. That’s why he’s now centered on being fully healthy in time to at least show scouts what he possibly can be for a franchise.

“The focus right now is just getting it fixed and just attacking it, man,” said Mertz. “I will play football for awhile so, for me, it’s just about getting better.”