Austin Droogsma still doesn’t understand why, but that really no longer matters.

The New York Giants are taking a shot on the former Florida State shot putter.

“I have never attended an NFL game, and my first NFL game could be as a player,” Droogsma said.

“How weird is that? It’s really crazy to think I am in a position that some of these guys have worked their entire lives for.”

Droogsma, an offensive guard, was one of 10 players signed by the Giants from their rookie tryout camp two weekends ago.

His size (6-foot-4, 345 pounds), athleticism and potential were enough for the Giants to give him a longer look. Droogsma is currently attending a month-long summer camp in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

“It’s fun that I get to play football again,” Droogsma said.

“Not many people have the opportunity I have been given. It’s intriguing. It’s scary. It's probably every descriptive word you can think of. I am still trying to figure out why they called me.”

What makes Droogsma’s story unique is that he hasn’t played organized football since Gulf Breeze High, where he also starred in wrestling and track & field.

While the 2013 graduate said he had opportunities to play college football – he attended an FSU camp – Droogsma elected to concentrate on track. He was a successful thrower at FSU from 2013-18, placing fourth at the NCAA Indoors and seventh at the NCAA Outdoor championships.

Droogsma remained in Tallahassee following graduation. He continued to train in the shot put for professional opportunities and possibly for the chance to compete in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. He also worked the graveyard shift in security and as a bouncer. Ready to move on in life, Droogsma was contemplating a career in law enforcement.

"I was totally cool with not being an athlete any more," Droogsma said.

A few weeks ago, Dorian Scott, director of field events at FSU and Droogsma’s former throws coach, received a telephone call from the Giants inquiring about Droogsma. Initially surprised, Scott also understood the Giants’ reasoning.

“They asked me some personal questions about Austin, wanting to know what kind of guy he was, and who he was,” Scott said. “They knew his size, they knew he's healthy. It really seemed like they had a plan.”

When the Giants telephoned Droogsma, he thought it was friends playing a joke on him.

It wasn’t a joke.

“Austin is a big guy and an elite athlete,” Gulf Breeze Athletic Director Mat Alt told the Pensacola News-Journal. “He’s always had a willingness to push himself to new levels.”

With help from friend and FSU offensive lineman Landon Dickerson, Droogsma trained 10 days in preparation for the Giants’ rookie tryout camp. He focused on fundamentals, mechanics and footwork.

Droogsma said he felt comfortable at the tryout, crediting teammates for their help, too, with the thick playbook and recognizing schemes. All of the Giants’ recent draftees, including Duke quarterback Daniel Jones and Clemson defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, were at the camp.

“It was a cool experience to see guys from different backgrounds,” Droogsma said. “My roommate has bounced around the league for two years going to these mini-camps. They all thought my story and me being there was hilarious.”

Droogsma's expectations are not hilarious. He's thankful, gracious - and determined to make the most of this unexpected opportunity in the NFL.

"I think what helps me is my ability to be molded - they can mold me into whatever they want as a lineman," Droogsma said. "I am dedicated to what's going on and what they want to do. I look at it as a gesture of good faith. What I expect from myself is to give and work as hard as I can. Anything else that happens is going to be icing on the cake.

"I certainly realize this is something that doesn't come around every day."

Reach Jim Henry at jjhenry@tallahassee.com