ASU product Bercovici feels ‘really comfortable’ in Cardinals uniform
Oct 24, 2017, 6:16 PM | Updated: Oct 26, 2017, 7:13 pm
Arizona State quarterback Mike Bercovici (2) looks to pass against West Virginia during the first half of the Cactus Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
(AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
The Arizona Cardinals announced the signing of quarterback Mike Bercovici to their practice squad on Tuesday.
The former Sun Devil was added after Cardinals starter Carson Palmer broke his left arm in last Sunday’s 33-0 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in London.
The 24-year-old Bercovici, who worked out for the Cardinals before the 2016 NFL Draft and during that season, expressed excitement about getting an opportunity with Arizona.
“To be here is a blessing,” Bercovici said, speaking to the media the Cardinals’ practice facility in Tempe on Tuesday. “This is obviously a place where I feel really comfortable. I have a lot of friends here and obviously want to thank the organization for bringing me in.”
Bercovici has not had the easiest pro career to this point. After throwing for 3,854 yards and 30 touchdowns in his senior season at ASU in 2015, the Los Angeles native went undrafted.
The San Diego Chargers signed Bercovici in May of 2016, but he was waived by the team on Sept. 3, 2016. He re-signed with the Chargers in January but was cut again before this season began.
In the face of adversity, Bercovici said having a support system and staying patient have been key.
“I’ve been playing this game since I was five years old,” Bercovici said. “I’ve got an incredible family foundation. I’ve got a girlfriend that supports me more than anything in the world. It is not easy being in this situation, but I’ve always said, even back to my college days, being patient is rewarding and that is really where I am at right now.”
Even though he never played a snap for the Chargers, Bercovici said he learned a lot from the coaching staff and quarterback Phillip Rivers.
“Just about the Xs and Os of the game, being a leader and being the leader of an organization,” he said. “There is so much cerebral part of the game. Everybody is talented at this level, but the terminology, multiple formations, motions … I feel really excited to take on a new playbook.”
