Former Iowa Hawkeye Goes from One Winless NFL Team to Another

A former Iowa Hawkeye quarterback somewhat unexpectedly got a new home yesterday. He goes from one winless team to another as a result.

This summer, I've been keeping my eye on Mark Gronowski, who was signed by the Miami Dolphins following the 2026 NFL Draft. The Dolphins elected to sign him to their practice squad ahead of the NFL season. However, yesterday afternoon, it was announced that the Houston Texans had signed Gronowski off the Dolphins' practice squad. Practice squad players in the NFL are eligible to be poached by other teams without compensation.

READ MORE: Solon, IA Quarterback Has a New NFL Home

Gronowski Departs a Struggling Dolphins Team for a Struggling Houston Team:

Both the Dolphins and Texans are searching for their first win of the NFL season, with both sitting at 0-4. One interesting note is that the Texans aren't signing Mark Gronowski to their own practice squad, but instead making him a part of the active, 53-man roster as the third quarterback behind starter C. J. Stroud and backup Davis Mills.

It's a bit of a curious move to make Gronowski active, but not entirely out of left field. Most teams carry three active quarterbacks due to how quickly injuries can manifest. You need only look at my Chicago Bears, who in the span of a week, lost both their starting quarterback and backup quarterback and had to start a 37-year-old third-stringer in a primetime game (what a game it was!).

Gronowski was One of the Better Iowa QBs in Recent Years:

When Gronowski transferred from South Dakota State to Iowa, the excitement was palpable.

Gronowski was among the most decorated quarterbacks in the FCS during his time with South Dakota State, throwing over 10,000 yards and 90 touchdowns while boasting a 49-6 record as a starter. There was hope he could invigorate Iowa's long-dormant offense and anemic passing game. However, Gronowski's passing numbers at Iowa were unremarkable, as he netted only 1,741 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, he was a willing, lethal runner. He rushed for over 500 yards and 16 touchdowns. Teams had to take him seriously on the move. He helped lead Iowa to a 9-4 record last season.

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Find out more about former Iowa Hawkeye quarterback Mark Gronowski being plucked by the Houston Texans on Sports Illustrated's website.