By
Matt Celebrezze
This report filed April 21, 2002
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Diamonds in the rough come in all shapes and sizes.
Joaquin Gonzalez arrived on the University of Miami campus in 1997 without a scholarship. Five years later, with an MBA, an “Academic Heisman” award, and plenty of emotion, he charmed the local media in a conference call as the newest member of the Cleveland Browns.
Assistant Coach/Football Development Pete Garcia made an appearance and sat listening, seemingly as charmed as everyone else.
Last year, it was Andre King who broke down in his elation over getting a chance to play for his college coach. It might now be fair to say that Butch Davis does not forget where he came from, and is truly willing to help those who helped him.
CNN/Sports Illustrated and the Football Writers Association named Gonzalez a first-team All-American after the 2001 Miami Hurricanes National Championship season.
“I remember all the little things about Coach Davis,” Gonzalez said. “I always wanted to play at Miami.”
Gonzalez’ humble background gave him the motivation to excel, kept him grounded. You would need some thick skin to go from a walk-on in college to a seventh round draft pick in the NFL.
“My family is very hard-working,” Gonzalez said. “Nothing was ever given to us. And that makes you appreciate the opportunities when they come your way. The big thing for us was to take care of business and get a college degree.”
Although he played tackle at Miami, speculation says he may be better suited as an interior lineman in the NFL.
“Whatever the team needs me to do,” Gonzalez said. “I will help this team as much as I can.”
At 6-foot-3 and 308 pounds, Gonzalez is a bit undersized by today’s offensive tackle standards.
“I’m a self-made player,” Gonzalez said. “I got to Miami at about 245 or 250 pounds. Everyone has always said that I’m too slow or not strong enough, but I started 49 games at the University of Miami. And I will continue to grow and get stronger. I’ve always been able to overcompensate for my lack of size and strength with smarts.”
Although his statistics were modest, when Andre King got an opportunity last year he made the most of it. You could feel and see his appreciation in body language alone. Seventh round picks are not counted on to be superstars on the field. Off the field Joaquin Gonzalez has that issue already worked out.
Send your questions or comments for Matt Celebrezze to Celebrezze@browns.nfl.com