Mark Glowinski passed on a few shots at joining an NFL team this year, with the veteran guard waiting for the right opportunity to emerge.
A few days ago, the Colts called to see if they could bring in Glowinski – who started at right guard for the Colts from 2018-2021 – would be interested in coming in for a workout. For Glowinski, who still lives in Zionsville and trains in Carmel, it was an easy answer.
"I was able to be there right away," Glowinski said.
Glowinski and his family settled in the north Indy suburbs even after he signed with the New York Giants as a free agent in 2022, where he spent time with then-assistant offensive line coach Tony Sparano Jr., who's now the Colts' offensive line coach. The Giants released Glowinski in March, making him a free agent; the 32-year-old has continued training since with the goal of being ready to play again.
While Glowinski hadn't been on an NFL roster until the Colts signed him to their practice squad Thursday, he feels as refreshed as ever at this point in his 10-year career.
"Probably the best I've felt, even probably since college," Glowinski said. "I've had the time to relax things that've kind of nagged me or bugged me and just keep working through it. You don't really have time (otherwise) — you're going through offseason and you're going through OTAs and you're doing the same repetitive movement so I think it was good have that time off, especially mentally."
With rookies starting last week at left tackle (Matt Goncalves), center (Tanor Bortolini) and right guard (Dalton Tucker), Glowinski's veteran experience – he's played in 124 games and started 96 times – will add to the Colts' offensive line room. And Glowinski, of course, is familiar with the veterans in that room, having played several games alongside left guard Quenton Nelson, center Ryan Kelly and right tackle Braden Smith.
"It's great because I still stay in touch and see those guys from time to time, especially being this close," Glowinski said. "When you have traces and people that you can feel comfortable with or ask questions, all that stuff right there out of the gate, it's always good, especially if you're removed from a place for a little bit."
