CNN
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A former pizza store employee is now incomes his dough within the NFL after being signed by the New England Patriots.
Final week, the Patriots introduced that offensive lineman Sebastian Gutierrez had joined the group’s follow squad – fairly the change of scene from his job at Uncle Maddio’s Pizza in Minot, North Dakota.
The six-foot-six, 295-pound Gutierrez was signed by the Denver Broncos as a rookie free agent in Could however launched on August 29, prompting him to take up part-time work at Uncle Maddio’s whereas persevering with to coach and search for a group.
“Loads of guys put all their vitality into their coaching, however I discovered myself having time to take a seat round within the afternoon,” Gutierrez advised CNN Sport. “I don’t actually like to only sit round and do nothing.”
Having beforehand eaten at Uncle Maddio’s and loved their pizza, Gutierrez began working there three days per week when he was advised by his coach in Minot that they wanted additional arms within the afternoons and evenings.
That was earlier than he bought the decision from the Patriots and joined up with the group final week.
“Clearly, you’re employed to get a possibility to get signed by a group after which go and present them what you are able to do,” mentioned Gutierrez, including that his long-term purpose is to turn into a starter within the NFL.
“I used to be simply excited and keen to inform my dad and mom that the onerous work’s paying off.”
Throughout his faculty profession at Minot State, Gutierrez made 42 appearances and 35 begins, transitioning from a decent finish to an offensive lineman in 2018, in line with the Patriots.
Losson Leonard, the proprietor of Uncle Maddio’s, puzzled whether or not Gutierrez had been employed as safety when he first noticed the 24-year-old working within the restaurant.
He says he was quickly received over by the work ethic and down-to-earth demeanor of the brand new recruit.
“We’re simply so blissful for him,” Leonard advised CNN Sport. “He’s such a tough employee, he’s an ideal younger man.
“I advised him: ‘When you get your ft in there [at the Patriots], when you get within the door, don’t allow them to kick you out. Keep in there, stick with it and follow onerous.’”
At the same time as a Carolina Panthers fan, Leonard mentioned he shall be rooting for Gutierrez whereas having fun with the novelty of his former worker’s present work standing.
“It’s form of odd that somebody give up working for me and went to work for [Patriots head coach] Invoice Belichick,” he added. “I don’t assume lots of people can say that.”
