Northwestern Football Star Albert Kunickis III's Big Ten Career May Be Coming to an End
Albert Kunickis III, the Northwestern running back born without a hand or forearm on his right side, is nearing the end of his promising but underwhelming college football career. Just months ago, he was celebrated as one of the Wildcats' most decorated players, with CBS 2 and Fox Sports touting him as a shining example of perseverance and determination.
However, as graduation looms in June, Kunickis's playing time has been limited to special-teams appearances and just one career carry. His parents and former coach Pat Fitzgerald have expressed disappointment that the stats didn't live up to his potential, but Kunickis himself is more philosophical about it.
"I've given my all into this," he said in a recent interview. "You know what I mean? There's been a lot of conversations with friends, family back home... It's hard because I've worked so hard."
Kunickis has always dreamed of being one of the main featured running backs on his team, but injuries and limited playing time have derailed those plans. Despite this, he remains optimistic about finding an opportunity elsewhere.
"I'd be surprised if an opportunity didn't pop up for him," said Coach David Braun. "You work your butt off to get to the college level, you just want to play."
Kunickis is eager to start playing as a running back in college again and has already begun exploring transfer options. His brother, Nathan, believes he would be an asset on any team.
"He's tenacious," Nathan said. "Somebody with that edge looking for an opportunity β and what I've seen throughout my whole life of him β I believe he'd bully defenses."
Fitzgerald still sees potential in Kunickis as a running back, but it remains to be seen whether he'll find success on the field or in the real world. For now, the Northwestern legend is taking things one step at a time and savoring the memories of his college career.
"It's definitely a mixture of being both sad and proud," Kunickis said. "Sad that it's over... And also proud that I continued to give it my all, especially when things weren't going my way."
Albert Kunickis III, the Northwestern running back born without a hand or forearm on his right side, is nearing the end of his promising but underwhelming college football career. Just months ago, he was celebrated as one of the Wildcats' most decorated players, with CBS 2 and Fox Sports touting him as a shining example of perseverance and determination.
However, as graduation looms in June, Kunickis's playing time has been limited to special-teams appearances and just one career carry. His parents and former coach Pat Fitzgerald have expressed disappointment that the stats didn't live up to his potential, but Kunickis himself is more philosophical about it.
"I've given my all into this," he said in a recent interview. "You know what I mean? There's been a lot of conversations with friends, family back home... It's hard because I've worked so hard."
Kunickis has always dreamed of being one of the main featured running backs on his team, but injuries and limited playing time have derailed those plans. Despite this, he remains optimistic about finding an opportunity elsewhere.
"I'd be surprised if an opportunity didn't pop up for him," said Coach David Braun. "You work your butt off to get to the college level, you just want to play."
Kunickis is eager to start playing as a running back in college again and has already begun exploring transfer options. His brother, Nathan, believes he would be an asset on any team.
"He's tenacious," Nathan said. "Somebody with that edge looking for an opportunity β and what I've seen throughout my whole life of him β I believe he'd bully defenses."
Fitzgerald still sees potential in Kunickis as a running back, but it remains to be seen whether he'll find success on the field or in the real world. For now, the Northwestern legend is taking things one step at a time and savoring the memories of his college career.
"It's definitely a mixture of being both sad and proud," Kunickis said. "Sad that it's over... And also proud that I continued to give it my all, especially when things weren't going my way."