2027 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Owen Fitzgerald, LB, Assumption University

• Name: Owen Fitzgerald
• Position: Linebacker
• College: Assumption University
• Height: 6’1
• Weight: 230
• Twitter: ofitzgerald14
• Instagram: owen_.fitzgerald

What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft?

My processing and my versatility. I take pride in my film study, which enables me to recognize things faster on the field and play confidently. Regarding my versatility, I have experience at all linebacker spots, and have been tasked with doing things such as rushing off the edge, being a middle-runner in Tampa 2, and playing TE’s/RB’s in man coverage. I have played in a variety of different schemes, and have played against an abundance of others over my 5 years at Assumption. 

Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how you responded?

In our most recent season, the team as a whole faced a lot of adversity. In Week 10, we lost our conference championship game, which at the time was devastating. We also had a plethora of injuries, including our starting QB. Many teams would have folded, and allowed that single game to ruin their season. In being a team captain, it was critical for me to keep team morale up, and emphasize the importance of putting the game behind us. Our team successfully put it behind us, going on to win our next two games, with one of them being a playoff game, ultimately ending the season strong rather than feeling sorry for ourselves. 

What are your hobbies outside of football?

Outside of football, I would say my biggest hobbies are fishing, weightlifting, and boxing. 

What role do you see yourself playing at the next level?

At the next level, I see myself playing any role that is asked of me. Whatever coaches see as the best for both the team and myself, I will have no problem, and will attack the challenge with the utmost effort. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

If I could donate to one cause in the world, it would be to provide more funding to public schools. I believe that everyone deserves the ability to be educated in a nourishing environment, and given the proper care while at school. 

How do you handle coaching, especially criticism or being corrected repeatedly?

When it comes to handling coaching, I understand that my coaches aren’t “out to get me”, rather they see more in me, and are trying to better both me, and the team. I embrace tough coaching and fully understand that it comes from a place of love, even if it may not seem like it on the surface. 

Who is the most underrated teammate at your school?

My most underrated teammate would have to be Nick Smith. We have played alongside each other the past two years, and because of his work ethic, I never have a doubt in my mind that he will be in the right place every single play. 

If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why did you choose them?

I would choose Conor McGregor, Marvin Hagler, and Eric Kendricks. The reasons I would choose Conor and Marvin are simple; I would love to talk about their work ethic, as they both had extraordinary discipline when making the climb to the top of their respective professions. In regard to Eric Kendricks, I would enjoy the opportunity to sit down and talk football with him, as growing up he was my favorite linebacker, and is known for his intelligence. 

If you were benched tomorrow, what would be the most likely reason?

If I were to be benched tomorrow, the most likely reason is that I wasn’t meeting team standards, while someone else was. I take pride in embodying our team standards, so if for any reason I were to even slightly deviate from them, that would be a reasonable punishment. 

Walk me through your typical pre-game routine?

I don’t really do anything special pre-game. I make sure I get taped very early, and then I like to go out on the field and get some simple movements in. After that, I go into position specific work, and then ultimately finish with visualizing/walking through gameplan oriented drills. 

What is your favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food would have to be cocoa roasted almonds, I could literally eat an entire bag in one sitting. 

What scheme do you feel you fit the best in?

I wholeheartedly believe that the scheme I play in doesn’t matter. At the end of the day, football is football. Regardless of the scheme in place, I will play every snap as hard as I possibly can, and with maximum discipline, effort, and attitude. I am a quick learner, and will be able to assimilate to any scheme that I may be placed in. 

What is your degree in?

My degree is in Cybersecurity. 

What would be the first thing you buy with your first NFL check?

The first thing I would do with my first NFL check is invest it. 

Describe a time in a game where you feel you made a mistake, and explain how you bounced back?

In a game early in my previous season, I had fit the wrong gap on a run play, resulting in a large gain. I knew immediately that I was wrong, and I took responsibility for it. I didn’t let that singular play dictate the rest of the drive, as on the goalline I ended up having a critical tackle for loss that kick started a goal line stand. As a team, we place massive emphasis on “spotting the ball”, as no matter what happened the previous play, good or bad, the ball will be spotted, and then snapped to start the next play. 

Name three songs, we can expect on your playlist?

I normally just listen to whatever is on in the locker room, but if I had to choose three of my favorite songs these would be the ones: Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dream On by Aerosmith, and Enter Sandman by Metallica.