C Luke Wypler (5.12.23)

What was draft weekend like for you? 

It was awesome. I was back home with friends and family and it was nice to kind of have that group of people together and celebrate this accomplishment. It was really exciting.

 

What kind of like pre-draft interactions did you have with the Browns, and did you think this could be a place for you?

Yeah, I came up here for 30 visits. For me, I knew I was in the deck of cards and I couldn’t be happier that they were able to pick me.

 

And what do you think about the opportunity you have to come in and learn from Bill Callahan? 

Between coach Callahan, coach Peters, I don’t think I could have gotten into a better offensive line room, especially with some of the vets that are in this building. I’m just excited to be around them and learn and pick their brain, try to learn as much as I can.

 

What’s it like having Dawand here?

Yeah, it’s awesome. I got picked and we texted each other. ‘Now we’re in there even longer together.’ It’s just exciting. Rocket (Ronnie Hickman) and Tanner McAllister, too, having them there. There’s not a lot of unfamiliar faces coming in day one, so it was pretty cool.

 

What kind of person is Dawand?

I know what kind of person he is. A great person, loves football. So, for me, I know what kind of teammate he is and what kind of player he is, and Browns got really lucky to be able to get him.

 

What was your first impression of him physically and then his ability to move on top of that? 

Yeah, I think the first time I saw him, it was my freshman year at Ohio State. Obviously, I early enrolled and it was his first couple of months there. He was, I think, bigger than he is now. I was like, ‘I didn’t know they made humans this big that can play football.’ Once he started moving on the field, I was like, ‘wow, this is a rare combination.’ I don’t think you ever will see another guy his size be able to move the way he does. So, yeah, he’s a freak. He’s a unicorn.

 

Have they talked to you about potentially playing guard? 

I think coach Callahan makes all of his interior guys cross-train all three, so I’m starting to get used to getting back to putting my hand in the dirt, so I’m enjoying it.

 

Do you think that’ll be the primary position?

Not sure yet. Wherever I fit in the puzzle, just trying to do my job.

 

Have you played much guard?

I played tackle in high school. I always say guard is a lot easier than playing center. You don’t have to snap a ball and you have a nice yard and half a cushion of the neutral zone. So, yeah. I’m getting used to it again and I’ve been enjoying it.

 

Are you happy with your decision to enter the draft?

Yeah. If I could go back, I would make the same decision again. I’m really happy with how it turned out. It couldn’t have been better for me.

 

What are you confident you can bring this franchise? 

A blue collar worker. Comes in every day just trying to get better. And that’s kind of my mentality coming in now, just trying to learn every single day. I call it the one percent rule, trying to get one percent better every day and keep growing.

 

Where does your work ethic come from?

Yeah, I would say it probably came from my parents. I always tell people this isn’t work. I get to play a sport for a living. I watched how my parents had to work growing up. My dad waking up at 4:30 in the morning, driving trucks, delivering things, and that’s hard work. This is fun. So for me, I don’t even consider this work. This is just something I’m lucky to do every single day.

 

I read somewhere your dad moved to Columbus?

He moved there probably about a year ago. This is perfect for us. I mean, he’s only two hours down the road, so it’s perfect that I’m here and he’s not too far away to come to the games.

 

Just saw that draft video. You still juggle? 

Yeah.

 

Do you? 

Yeah, I still can. Yeah. I mean, it’s like riding a bike. Yeah.

 

What’s the most, like, number? 

I used to be able to do six. I don’t think I can get there again. I can go four consistently now.

 

What about the stand up? 

I haven’t touched that in a very long time. One day. I’m getting back to it, though.

 

Did you have a best joke? 

Yeah, I had a good routine. I honestly couldn’t even do it for you now. I don’t remember. It’s been so long.

 

Are you just naturally funny? 

I try to be, yeah. It’s something that–I’d say it’s definitely more nerve-wracking than playing football, so it took a lot to get up there and do it.

 

You got a good chance to win the rookie talent show. 

Yeah. Listen, I’m hoping. Telling jokes and juggling, can’t get better than that.

 

How much pride do you take in the cerebral part of the game?

Yeah, I take a lot. I think that’s the part of the game I really love–the chess, I call it, of playing football. The mental warfare behind the scenes that not a lot of people see. You just go out there and watch us do it. I like moving the pawns and doing all that kind of stuff and watching film is something I really enjoy.

 

Do you play actual chess? 

Yes, I do. I love chess.

 

Amari Cooper is a big chess guy. 

Yeah, I’ve heard that. I saw a chessboard. I have to get him when he gets back.

 

Does the fact that you played at Ohio State and in that offense, played center in that offense, does that help? 

Yeah, a lot of things that–me and Dawand are laughing, like, in meetings when we go over turns, like, ‘oh, yeah, we haven’t heard that before.’ So, yeah, it’s pretty cool coming in and I’m just kind of seeing all the connections that we’re able to make coming from a great program like Ohio State.

 

You mentioned some of the veterans on the line. Have you met any?

No, I haven’t yet. Hopefully, when they get back I’ll be able to meet up and kind of see how I mesh with them. I’m really excited.

 

Do you feel like a true freshman again?

It’s a little bit of a different feeling. I would more compare it to the first day at a new school. That’s kind of what it feels like, just walking in. It’s nice you come with a big rookie class, so yeah, it’s a little different, but very similar.

 

Do you draw any kind of motivation from being the sixth-round pick?

No, I think that stuff doesn’t really motivate me. I think I motivate myself. I kind of let that be what it is. I have a lot of motivation inside me. I’m very self motivated and those outside factors don’t really bother me too much.

 

 

# # #

 

***Visit the Browns Media Center for materials provided by the Browns communications department, including media schedules, press releases, quotes, photos, media guides, rosters, depth charts and more.***