Nic Shimonek can still remember his parents first teaching him the meaning of “you get what you work for” as a child growing up in Corsicana, Texas. Little did he know, one small motto would follow him into college, helping him get through some of the toughest times and one of the biggest obstacles he’s battling right now–making an NFL roster.
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned is being patient and understanding that if you keep working, sooner or later–whether it’s by injury or poor performance–you’ll get your shot” says Shimonek.
The undrafted free agent says he looks towards these obstacles as a challenge, motivating him to tackle whatever crosses his path to success. In some cases, that might even mean creating a business.
Growing up in a small city outside of Dallas, Shimonek was ready to experience the big city life. After graduating from Mildred High School, the three-star quarterback took his talents to a school as big as his hometown–The University of Iowa.
The 6-foot-3 quarterback spent the 2013 season on the sidelines, exercising his redshirt season, but realized that being a Hawkeye wasn’t the right fit for him.
The young quarterback decided to forgo his scholarship at the University of Iowa and travel back to his home state for a shot at landing a spot on Texas Tech’s roster. Shimonek was offered a walk-on gig for the 2014 season but was sidelined once again due to transfer rules; however, having to sit out another season wasn’t his biggest issue– it was finding a way to pay for college.
Transferring to Texas Tech meant losing his full-ride scholarship, but it was an obstacle he was prepared to face. He took the term ‘student-athlete’ to the next level, redefining it to ‘student-athlete-entrepreneur’ and started a furniture restoration business with his mother to help pay for his college fees.
“I felt really bad going from the University of Iowa and getting everything paid for to not getting a nickel at Texas Tech. I felt really bad about that financial burden I put on my parents, and I wanted to help out any way I could.”
Shimonek closed shop just before the 2016 season, having earned a scholarship with the Red Raiders, shifting his focus entirely to school and football.
Although the junior only appeared in four games during the 2016 season, playing backup for 2017 first-round draft pick Patrick Mahomes, opportunities were on the horizon.
With Mahomes leaving Texas Tech a year early to pursue a career in the National Football League, that meant the Red Raiders’ QB 1 position was up for grabs–a position that Shimonek was going to claim.
There was a lot on the line for Shimonek with only one more season left of his eligibility. This was his last chance to make a name for himself and turn the heads of NFL scouts before the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft.
His parent’s motto “you get what you work for” followed him throughout the season, and he knew he put in the work.
Texas Tech’s new QB 1 finished the season with 13 game appearances, threw for 3,963 yards, 33 touchdowns, and led the Red Raiders to the Birmingham Bowl as a starter in 2017.
Shimonek’s standout performance got the attention of many scouts, landing him an invite to the NFL Combine; however, it wasn’t the invite many quarterbacks hope for. The Red Raider was invited to be a thrower for the running backs, which is the day before the quarterback drills even take place.
Although this wasn’t the glamorous offer all quarterbacks hope for, he didn’t want to pass up the last-chance opportunity to get on the NFL’s radar before the draft.
As the 2018 NFL Draft rolled around, Shimonek received calls from several NFL teams that were interested in drafting the 6-foot-3 quarterback. He was projected to be taken in the sixth or seventh round, but didn’t hear his name called like many expected, leading him to his next challenge–making an NFL roster as a free agent.
Many NFL teams across the league were interested in acquiring the undrafted quarterback, but only one team really stood out from all the rest–the Los Angeles Chargers.
Being able to learn from his long-time idol, Philip Rivers, was definitely an advantage, but the Chargers also have a reputation around the league as a place that gives undrafted rookies a fair shot at making the active roster.
Just last year, five undrafted rookies made the initial 53-man roster for the Los Angeles Chargers, including running back Austin Eckler, kicker Younghoe Koo, tight end Sean Culkin, and linebackers Nigel Harris and James Onwaulu.
When asked about what he’s hoping to gain from the veteran quarterback, he said it was impossible to pick just one thing.
“I don’t think there’s one thing. I think you just have to watch him at practice, watch him interact with everyone on the field-from coach to the secretaries to anybody-and just watch how he handles himself. He’s been at this level for a long time, so obviously he’s doing something right. It would be foolish to not try to mimic everything that he does.”
What’s next for the undrafted quarterback? Only time will tell, but Shimonek’s only priority right now is completing the next challenge at hand–making an NFL roster.
The big-bodied receiver is quick on his feet and is going to be a challenge for anyone that defends him down the field. With a near 33-inch vertical, Williams is the type of player who can make any difficult catch look easy. Over three seasons at Clemson University, Williams recorded 177 receptions for 2,727 yards and 21 touchdowns over 42 games.
With his lack of height and overall size, Lamp will most likely be pushed inside. Some of his strengths include being able to redirect weight back inside, securing blocks with choppy feet, and being able to process quickly when defense runs games up front. Overall, the Chargers lucked out with this versatile guard and should be seeing a positive effect with him on the line.
