15 questions with... Owen Goldsberry, a Penn football senior

The Daily Pennsylvanian asked Owen Goldsberry of Penn football 15 questions about his sport, his time at Penn, and what he’s learned as a Penn student athlete. Here’s what the senior had to say. 

1. Tell us about yourself.

My name is Owen Goldsberry and I’m from Chicago, Illinois. I’m a senior in Wharton majoring in finance and behavioral economics, and I’m a wide receiver on the football team.

2. What is your favorite part of playing football for the Penn Quakers?

My favorite part of playing football is definitely just the guys in the locker room. I think after all the excitement of catching passes and running around the field goes away, the things that stick with you the most are the relationships you’ve built. 

3. What got you playing football?

I would say growing up watching college football TV with my dad just got me excited, wanting to emulate those guys on TV, and sparked my interest in playing the game.

4. What’s your go-to spot on campus to study?

Huntsman GSR. The best place for me to focus up. 

5. Any other athletes in the family?

Non-collegiate, my brother played baseball and football in high school, and my sister swam and played water polo. My dad played a little bit of baseball back in the day.

6. Who is someone you look up to?

I look up to my dad the most— just being around him so much and learning from him. A lot of what I know and who I am today is because of him. His generosity is something I aspire to, for sure.

7. Do you have any game day rituals?

More like night before rituals. I like to eat a nice meal, usually with something with steak involved, like a red meat, and I play the game just feeling strong the day before a game. The morning of [game day] I tend not to really eat too much to stay light on my feet. You know, just drink a lot of water, Gatorade, but that’s about it. 

8. What’s your favorite place to eat in Philly?

For me, it’s Taco Taco on 44th Street. Their breakfast burritos. I go there on the weekends with some guys so that’s probably my favorite spot. I’m sure there’s better but that’s my favorite.

9. How was transferring from Michigan to Penn football?

I think transferring from Michigan was a tough time for me to get acclimated and meet some new friends. The first semester or two is, you know, pretty difficult; just feel a little bit on your own at times. But, as you know, that first year has passed and I’m grateful for my time at Michigan but it’s been a good experience for me here. I've made a lot of hopefully lifelong friends here and enjoyed my time on and off the field. Learned a lot from the classroom too. Yeah, it’s been a great time.

10. What is your most memorable football moment (playing or watching)?

My most memorable football moment is definitely sophomore year. I was able to get in the game and throw a touchdown pass to Eric Marks. That was probably the most memorable football experience for me but I have had plenty of good ones off the field. RJ Starkey, my teammate and fellow receiver, one-handed touchdown catch at Harvard to win, which is really memorable for me.

11. You can go anywhere in the world for a week. Where would you go?

Definitely somewhere warm. I would go to Laguna Beach, California and hang on the beach, enjoy the weather and the Mexican food. I have friends out there and stayed there all of fall during COVID and it’s just phenomenal.

12. How was it training during quarantine?

I didn’t think we had too many bumps in the road. It was tough not being together. In terms of an actual training aspect, I mean, obviously finding some open gyms and weights and stuff was hard due to COVID restrictions. But after that, I think as a team we’ve generally hung pretty well together and kept getting stronger. We were able to use this app called Teamworks to post videos of us working out and have our teammates comment and help us stay connected. 

13. How would you describe yourself in three words?

Dependable, calm, motivated.

14. Any advice for a future Division I football player?

My advice for a future DI football player is mainly off the field, just staying on top academically. As you see with a lot of athletes here at Penn, having good grades and test scores just expands the numbers of schools that are going to be recruiting you. Also just having goals and just staying true to those goals. Letting your actions speak louder than words. 

15. How do you plan to use the life lessons of being a student athlete in your future?

I think definitely just getting along with people from all different backgrounds. We got kids on the team from all over the country, all over the world. Finding those commonalities with people from all backgrounds is something I’ve learned to become great friends with people. Also, I would say time management, as I take a career path I’m going to have a lot on my plate. Family, friends, taking care of all your priorities, and getting your priorities in line is something football has taught me.