Kradel not giving up on NFL dream
BUTLER TWP — His final football season at the University of Pittsburgh didn't go quite like Jake Kradel expected.
The Panthers finished 4-8, Kradel missed three games due to a concussion and did not get as many game reps at center as he wanted.
Yet the Butler graduate remains undaunted in terms of his football future.
“I’m still going to take my shot,” the 6-foot-3, 300-pound Kradel said of the NFL. “Pitt has its Pro Day coming up around March 27. There should be 11 or 12 Pitt players there and I plan on being one of them.
“I’ve been working out, staying in shape. I’m still all in on football right now. I don’t feel like I’m done.”
While Kradel was hoping to play center for the Panthers throughout the 2023 season — figuring that position was his best shot at the pros — he wound up playing three games there. He started some games at left guard and right guard because of injuries to teammates.
And he had no problem doing so.
“You go where you’re needed,” Kradel said. “You need to be there for your team. I’d have played quarterback if they asked me to. I played seven games at center (in 2022) and three last year, so I’ve got plenty of tape on myself at that position.
“Seeing so much time at both guard spots should help me, too. I’ve got versatility up front and that’s valued at the next level.”
Butler football coach Eric Christy said Kradel has a “definite shot” at extending his playing career.
“Jake is a tremendous athlete,” Christy said. “He played tackle, guard and center for us, even did some punting. He could really boom the ball.”
Kradel has earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and a masters in business at Pitt. While he said he’s prepared to transition into a new career, he’s hoping that won’t be necessary for a while.
“Of course, I hope to get drafted,” he said of the NFL. “If that doesn’t happen, I’ll look for a free agent opportunity with a team. All I want is to get my foot in the door, get a chance to prove myself.
“I played in about 50 games at Pitt, starting most of them. I’ve been durable. I’m confident I can keep going.”
While Kradel formerly had an “NFL or bust” mentality in his pursuit of a pro football career, that stance has changed somewhat.
The merger of spring football leagues XFL and USFL — forming the United Football League — has made that option more attractive.
“If it gets to that point, I’ll definitely take a look at that league,” Kradel said.
Fellow Butler graduate Scott Milanovich is head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League. Christy was in Matt Milanovich’s wedding party. Matt is Scott’s younger brother.
“That’s another league Jake could look at,” Christy said. “I’ve talked to him about it. I could probably help get him a look up there.
“Whatever happens, I’m pulling for him. Jake is a great kid. He’s come up to our football camps, been in the weight room with our kids, he always has time for us. He’s worked hard and he deserves an opportunity.”
