Wisconsin players react to QB Graham Mertz’s decision to enter the transfer portal
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
After three seasons as Wisconsin’s starting quarterback, Graham Mertz announced his decision to enter the transfer portal via his personal Twitter account.
“I am grateful for my time as a Badger, my time in Madison has taught me lessons that go far beyond the football field,” wrote Mertz in his goodbye message to Wisconsin. “I have decided that I will be entering the transfer portal in pursuit of my next opportunity. I will be entering with 2 years of eligibility.”
Wisconsin players were thankful of the time they spent with the Kansas native and showed their gratitude for his work ethic and leadership after the announcement. Here is a look at some of their reactions:
Former Wisconsin WR Markus Allen:
Do work 5. Love G❤️ https://t.co/trCvteFVdz
— Markus Allen☆ (@MarkusAllen19) December 5, 2022
Former Wisconsin RB James White
Keep working young fella! Best of luck https://t.co/ZMhNiXaqfX
— James White (@SweetFeet_White) December 5, 2022
Wisconsin OL Jack Nelson:
Thankful for the time I got to spend with #5. This guy exemplified grit and hard work! Best of luck Graham!!! https://t.co/DwPPE2DYbJ
— Jack Nelson (@JackNelson755) December 4, 2022
Wisconsin TE Hayden Rucci:
Couldn’t have asked for a better teammate & friend the past four years. Time to shine ❤️ Brother for life!! https://t.co/euVHVP54lh
— Hayden Rucci (@haydenrucci) December 4, 2022
Wisconsin TE Clay Cundiff:
My brother til the end🤞🏼 Love you G5 https://t.co/TIIee0i4RK
— Clay Cundiff (@clay_cundiff10) December 4, 2022
Wisconsin LB Nick Herbig:
Love 5🤞🏼 Go be great💯 https://t.co/JIGJzKXbbW
— Nick Herbig (@nickherbig_) December 4, 2022
Media members react:
This is not surprising. I respect Graham Mertz. A new path may do him a ton of good.
His toughness and his willingness to talk…good or bad… deserves great respect.
Good luck @GrahamMertz5 #ThankYou https://t.co/d6nwtBNoAF— Mike Heller (@HellerSports) December 4, 2022
The father of Wisconsin QB Myles Burkett:
Love you 5 ❤️ https://t.co/nMrvsgT338
— Terrence Burkett (@mke_terrence) December 4, 2022
Wisconsin broadcaster Matt Lepay:
A ton of respect for this young man. Had to deal with quite a bit, and I found him to be first class with how he handled it. As he begins a new chapter, I wish him all the best. https://t.co/KUshjSeKjL
— Matt Lepay (@MattLepay) December 4, 2022
Wisconsin quarterback Myles Burkett:
Be great 5❤️🤟🏽 https://t.co/zGZpg8rmmW
— Myles Burkett (@myles_burkett) December 4, 2022
Media members react:
Not surprising. As I wrote eight days ago, a fresh start might just do him some good. https://t.co/J8toYsSLAR
— Jim Polzin (@JimPolzinWSJ) December 4, 2022
Luke Fickell on the decision:
Luke Fickell said he spoke with Graham Mertz before his decision to transfer:
"We want nothing more than the best for him. I encouraged him to stick around here and see how the changes go.
"That's not what I wanted him to do, but I respect that."#Badgers
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) December 4, 2022
Wisconsin's team loved Graham Mertz, that much is clear :
Getting a lot of reaction from players on social media. You can critique Graham Mertz for his play on the field, but he’s someone who is respected as a leader in that locker room.
Hope a change of scenery allows him a chance to go out on a high note.
— Jon McNamara (@McNamaraRivals) December 5, 2022
