Former NFL, Toledo QB Bruce Gradkowski to be named head coach at Ohio highschool

A former NFL quarterback has reportedly got a job as a head coach at an Ohio high school. Bruce Gradkowski, who spent a decade in the multi-team league from 2006 to 2016, has been named the new head football coach at St. Francis de Sales High School in Toldeo, Ohio, according to local reports.

Gradkowski, who is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and played at the University of Toledo in the mid-2000s, will replace Dan Chipka, who stepped down earlier this month to take a college-level position. Gradkowski was a 2006 sixth round pick for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and has also spent time with the Rams, Browns, Raiders, Bengals and Steelers throughout his NFL career.

“I am on fire. I think it’s such a big opportunity ” Gradkowski announced to WTOL11 that he has been named the next head coach at St. Francis. “Being a part of St. Francis, football is life. I was fortunate enough to play professionally. To be able to give back and help student-athletes not only on the field but off the field as well “That is what excites me. We will be a group that focuses on what we can control. That is our attitude, our commitment and our preparation.”

As a quarterback in Toledo, Gradkowski proved to be one of the most productive passers-by in program history. He completed more than 3,000 yards each in his first two years on campus and exited the Rockets with 85 touchdown passes and more than 3,000 yards in three seasons with the 2003-2005 program. Gradkowski was named MAC Co-MVP for the 2005 season. Even more memorable, however, was his appearance during the 2004 MAC Championship Game, when Gradkowski broke a bone in his throwing hand but stayed in the game to lead the Rockets to a 35:27 win over Miami, Ohio.

Gradkowski made a total of 37 appearances in his NFL career, starting with 20 occasions. He retired from the league after surviving a career totaling 4,057 yards and 21 touchdowns against 24 interceptions.

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Gradkowski isn’t the only former NFL player currently training at the high school level. Former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers, who has spent most of his career with the Chargers, will begin his first season as head coach at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. Elsewhere, former NFL tight end Jason Witten – a longtime Dallas Cowboys regular – was named head coach of Liberty Christian High School in Argyle, Texas last winter.