University of Connecticut Athletics
Meet The Spring Game Honorary Coaches: Tyler Lorenzen
4/9/2010 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 9, 2010
When Tyler Lorenzen graduated from the University of Connecticut after two successful seasons at quarterback, he didn't know where his life was going to take him. The Iowa native finished his career as a member of the 2009 International Bowl champion Huskies, and was on top of the world, literally --- as the Huskies took a trip up the CN Tower during their time in Toronto.
Lorenzen will return to the UConn football scene when he serves as a honorary coach at the 2010 Blue-White Spring Game on Saturday, April 17. The game kicks off at 12:00 p.m. and admission and parking are free.
Lorenzen will join his former Husky teammate Donald Brown as one coaching staff while 2004 captains Dan Orlovsky, Alfred Fincher and Ryan Krug are on the other side.
On UConn's Pro Testing Day in March of 2009, Lorenzen made some changes and worked out as a quarterback, wide receiver and even defensive back. His 36-inch vertical and 6-5, 225 pound frame helped him earn a free agent contract career with the Jacksonville Jaguars -- as a tight end.
His stay in Florida was not long as Lorenzen was cut after the Jaguars third preseason game. "I was trying to learn the position and figure out the ins and outs of tight end and gain some weight," said Lorenzen. "The transition was tough."
Luckily, Lorenzen was soon picked up by the New Orleans Saints as a practice squad player.
"I was signed to the practice squad so I knew that I wasn't going to play in games. I tried to absorb as much as possible day-to-day in the meeting room and on the practice field and be there on game day to lend a helping hand and be the eyes on the field."
Lorenzen's signing with the Saints could not have come at a better time as the team went on to win the Superbowl.
"I would say that New Orleans fans are a different breed," said Lorenzen.
After the Saints' first loss to Dallas, Lorenzen understood just how special the city of New Orleans was and how lucky he was playing there.
"We lost to Dallas, our first loss of the season, and we still got a standing ovation," says Lorenzen. "We were running off the field and the fans were standing and clapping. Not one person left the stadium until Drew Brees, the last player on the field, ran off. This is how supportive they are and how thankful this team has been in giving the city hope and putting it back on the map as a place to go."
It is this moxie that makes Lorenzen, and the rest of his team, happy to give back. The Saints are involved in many community programs in the city of New Orleans, but the biggest present that they delivered to the city was the Superbowl Championship, the first in the history of the franchise.
Lorenzen's first Superbowl experience was nothing short of perfect.
"It lived up to every expectation that I ever had. It was energy packed, Donald Brown was on the other sideline, it came in my rookie year and just countless things that made it special and amazing to be a part of. When you take the `W' home you can't be complaining about much."
Lorenzen is headed back to New Orleans where he will prepare to help the Saints defend their Superbowl title.
"I go into every situation with the same kind of mentality, have a positive attitude and work hard. Those are the things that you can control and whatever happens besides that happens. It's part of the game called life."
--Betsy Devine
Players Mentioned
