GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida quarterback Graham Mertz is transitioning into a new position for the rest of the season: mentoring fellow players. His playing career has come to an end due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, which he sustained during a closely contested 23-17 overtime loss to No. 8 Tennessee last Saturday. Surgery is scheduled for after the swelling in his knee subsides, but Mertz is committed to remaining actively involved in supporting freshman quarterback DJ Lagway.
“I’m here in any way, shape, or form for DJ and this quarterback group,” Mertz stated on Wednesday. “I’ve told him, ‘Whatever you need, I’m here to help. Whether it’s discussing life or sharing insights about game situations, I’ll do anything I can to assist without overstepping my bounds.’” Mertz anticipates playing a multifaceted role as a mentor, motivator, and cheerleader when the Gators (3-3, 1-2 Southeastern Conference) face Kentucky (3-3, 1-3) on Saturday night.
Reflecting on his injury, Mertz emphasized the importance of sharing his observations with the team. “Many players might withdraw when they’re hurt, but I’ve decided to actively contribute. I’m going to share everything I see and know,” he explained. The injury actually occurred earlier in the game; Mertz felt a pop in his knee while attempting to make a cut on a third-and-4 play during a 15-yard run. After staying on the field for two more plays, which included a touchdown pass, he finally sought medical attention once he felt severe pain.
“This isn’t how I envisioned the conclusion of my college career,” Mertz remarked, acknowledging that he would have preferred a different outcome. “But the reality is that this is what has happened, and now I’m determined to embrace this new challenge and prepare for what comes next.” Over the course of his college journey, Mertz compiled impressive stats, amassing 9,099 passing yards across 50 games, along with 64 touchdowns and 31 interceptions. However, he dealt with injuries in half of his last six games, including a broken collarbone last November, a concussion against Miami, and now this major knee injury.
The 23-year-old from Kansas aspires to recuperate sufficiently to showcase his talents for NFL scouts ahead of the draft in April. He will also benefit from the experience of his two older sisters, who have collectively battled through several knee injuries during their athletic careers. “Life will throw a lot of obstacles your way, but it’s up to you how you respond,” Mertz said, highlighting personal agency amidst adversity.
Mertz plans to focus on supporting Lagway, who is a five-star recruit from Texas and has displayed his potential by completing 65.3% of his passes for 765 yards, with five touchdowns and four interceptions this season. Mertz had welcomed the coaching strategy of splitting playing time between him and Lagway earlier in the season and is enthusiastic about helping Lagway mature as a quarterback now that he takes full command of the position.
“For me, this is a chance to fully embrace being a cheerleader and mentor,” Mertz concluded. “My personal objective throughout this journey is to experience an extraordinary amount of joy every day.”