by Steven Fernandez
Daily Lobo
Nick Speegle said he knows a good opportunity when he sees one.
When the former UNM linebacker signed an NFL contract with the Cleveland Browns after being drafted in the sixth round, he said he knew he was getting the opportunity of a lifetime.
Speegle signed for the league minimum, but said in order to see the money from the contract he will have to make the cut from the 16 linebackers Cleveland is working with to the nine they will keep.
Speegle said he has to take things slowly and be patient.
"It can be discouraging to think about it too much," Speegle said about his chances of making the team. "All I can do is take it one day at a time and work harder. It's a long road ahead."
Even though his future as a member of the Browns is uncertain, Speegle is still happy about being drafted by an NFL team.
"It's a dream come true," he said. "After all the hard work I have put in and all that I have been through, it's just really exciting."
Speegle said he is excited about being selected by the Browns mainly because of the fans. He said they remind him of Lobo fans because they are passionate.
"They really love their team, and win, lose or draw, the fans are going to be there," he said.
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Speegle, who finished a no-pads camp with the Browns on July 9, said he has been training hard and thinks he is in the right place mentally and physically, based on what he has seen so far. He returns to training camp in Berea, Ohio, on July 24.
"When we go back I think I'll be ready to go," he said. "I am in good shape. We haven't put the pads on yet though, so we'll have to see."
The former Lobo linebacker said he knows there is always room for improvement and is trying to focus on what he needs to do. He said he has more to learn individually and with the Browns' defense.
"We played in a complicated defense at UNM and that might help because Cleveland has one of the most complicated systems in the league," he said.
What UNM helped Speegle prepare for the most was being ready to start over. He said his situation reminds him of his freshman year at UNM, when he wasn't sure if he was ready for college ball.
"I know what it's like because I have already been through it," Speegle said.
Looking back on his collegiate career, Speegle said he is satisfied with all he accomplished as a Lobo. He finished his career with 40 starts, 296 tackles and two interceptions.
"Every goal I set, I either met or exceeded," he said. "I'm happy with that."
Speegle said there were a lot of great memories at UNM, but beating Texas Tech last year is one of his favorites. What Speegle will miss most about UNM however, is the people he shared the experiences with.
"Just thinking back on friends and going through the tough times and everything with the teammates, it's going to be kind of sad leaving that," he said.
Looking at what is ahead of him, Speegle said he knows he is getting a chance to do something many players only dream of.
"I'm happy I have the opportunity to have the experience of playing pro football. It's something only a few guys get," he said.
