When many college athletes would pick up a video-game controller, Troy Fumagalli would open a book or hit “play” on a podcast.
The topics could range from a meditation technique called “body scanning” to a stretch that could improve his hip flexibility. Fumagalli would then often relay what he learned to his position coach, Mickey Turner, during conversations that would often veer away from football.
That cerebral approach helped Fumagalli put together a decorated Wisconsin career, one capped by being named a finalist for the John Mackey Award given to college football’s top tight end. Next, he’ll aim to apply that mentality in Denver after the Broncos drafted Fumagalli in the fifth round.