Former Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Mark Gronowski has once again found himself at the center of an NFL roster decision, with the Miami Dolphins waiving him as the team works to finalize its roster for the upcoming season.
Gronowski’s release comes during one of the busiest periods of the NFL calendar, when teams are forced to make difficult decisions as they reduce their rosters to the required 53 players. Although being waived is disappointing news for the former Iowa quarterback, his time in Miami may not be over.
The Dolphins are expected to attempt to bring Gronowski back to their practice squad if he goes unclaimed. That would give the young quarterback another opportunity to remain within the organization, continue developing and potentially earn his way back onto the active roster later in the season.
Gronowski joined Miami earlier this year after going undrafted in the NFL Draft. His path with the Dolphins has already included several twists, making this latest roster move another chapter in an eventful offseason.
The former Hawkeye was initially waived by Miami on August 7, before the start of the preseason. However, the Dolphins brought him back on August 16 after quarterback Quinn Ewers suffered a groin injury during the preseason opener.
That opportunity allowed Gronowski to see meaningful action during Miami’s remaining preseason games.
His first appearance came against the New York Giants, where he played 10 offensive snaps. The Iowa product completed two of five passing attempts for one yard while adding nine rushing yards on two carries.
Things changed considerably in Miami’s preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons. Gronowski received 31 offensive snaps and showed more of what he could offer with both his arm and his legs.
He completed four of eight passes for 97 yards against Atlanta while rushing for another 28 yards. Although the numbers were not enough to secure a permanent place on Miami’s initial roster, the performance provided valuable experience for a quarterback still adjusting to the professional game.
Gronowski’s NFL journey comes after an intriguing season in Iowa City.
During his lone season as Iowa’s starting quarterback, he completed a solid body of work while helping the Hawkeyes finish with a 9-4 record, including a 6-3 mark in Big Ten play.
Through the air, Gronowski recorded 1,741 passing yards and threw 10 touchdown passes. He was also a significant threat as a runner, finishing the season with 545 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns.
Those rushing numbers highlighted one of the qualities that made him an interesting quarterback prospect entering the NFL. Gronowski was not simply a traditional pocket passer. His ability to make plays with his legs gave him another dimension and allowed Iowa to use him in different situations.
Now, the former Hawkeye faces another challenge as he attempts to establish himself in the NFL.
Being waived does not necessarily mean the end of his opportunity in Miami. If he clears waivers and returns to the Dolphins’ practice squad, Gronowski will remain around the team and continue learning the professional game.
For a young quarterback, that can be an important stage of development. Practice squad players have the opportunity to work alongside established NFL players, learn the offensive system and prepare themselves for potential opportunities when injuries or roster changes create openings.
Gronowski will now have to wait and see what happens next.
Other NFL teams could potentially show interest, but if he clears waivers, Miami appears positioned to give him another chance within the organization.
For Iowa fans, his situation will certainly be worth watching. Gronowski arrived in the NFL after an impressive final college season and has already experienced the uncertainty that comes with trying to earn a roster spot.
His latest setback may not be the end of his NFL story. Instead, it could become another step in the development of a quarterback who is still trying to turn his Iowa success into a lasting professional career.
For now, Gronowski’s future remains uncertain, but his opportunity in Miami could continue if everything falls into place.
