WINONA, Minn. – Winona State University's Zach Olstad has signed a free agent contract with the Buffalo Bills. Olstad earned an NFL contract after competing in the Bills' rookie minicamp on May 10-13 in New York.

Olstad was invited to the rookie minicamp following the 2018 NFL Draft as an undrafted player. 

The 5-11, 245-pound fullback is the first Winona State football player to sign an NFL contract since quarterback Brian Wrobel (2006) signed with the Green Bay Packers. The only other fullback currently on Buffalo's roster is veteran Pat DiMarco.

Olstad will participate in the Bills' OTA (organized team activities) this summer, and will report to training camp in July if he remains on the roster.

(original story from 4/30/18 - Winona State's Olstad invited to Buffalo Bills rookie camp)

WINONA, Minn. – Winona State University fullback Zach Olstad has been invited to the NFL rookie minicamp by the Buffalo Bills.

The three-day rookie minicamp is slated for May 10-13, 2018 in New York.

Olstad said he knew it was going to be a good day on Sunday. The call from his agent on Sunday morning during a workout confirmed his intuition.

"I woke up Sunday feeling very optimistic and went to my former high school (Filmore Central) for a workout to keep myself distracted," he said. "A little while later, I received the phone call that I had been invited to minicamp by the Bills."

While his phone continued to light up with calls and texts, Olstad wasted little time calling his parents to share the good news.

"I called my parents and they raced over to the high school to meet me. It was a really special moment to share with them. I was shaking when I first got the call and it was awesome to share with my parents. It was the craziest hour of my life."

Olstad went on to say about the opportunity, "nothing is guaranteed, but I can guarantee that I'm going to make the most of this opportunity."  

The Harmony, Minnesota product was a four-year starter for the Winona State football team. He garnered All-NSIC Honorable Mention status as a senior in 2017 while leading the Warriors to a 10-2 overall record and an appearance in the NCAA Playoffs.

Olstad totaled 28 receptions for 218 yards and a touchdown in his career. The fullback notched one career rushing touchdown which came in 2017.

A student-athlete in the purest form, Olstad was a four-time NSIC All-Academic recipient. He also earned the NSIC's Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction honor in 2018 as a senior student-athlete with at least a 3.75 G.P.A.