NFL
Bernhard Raimann has come a big step closer to his big dream of playing competitive games in the National Football League (NFL). As expected, the 24-year-old from Burgenland made the cut on Tuesday (local time) and is in the final 53-man roster for the championship that begins next week. Running back Sandro Platzgummer missed this jump with the New York Giants, but it is still unclear how things will continue for him and tightend Bernhard Seikovits (Arizona Cardinals).
Raimann, who was the first Austrian ever to be selected 77th in the NFL draft at the end of April, appears as one of a total of eight offensive lineman in head coach Frank Reich’s squad. The left tackle is expected to start the season as a backup, which begins Sept. 11 for the Colts away to AFC South rivals the Houston Texans with new quarterback Matt Ryan.
Head coach Reich explained in preparation: “He’s becoming more and more consistent. If he continues to refine his game at this level, I think he will be a factor.” However, you can also see “that he is still a bit inexperienced sometimes. But it is clear that he has the physical requirements and the necessary toughness to play this position.” Raimann himself said that the NFL was “merciless” and that the opponents were several classes stronger than at college. “Here you have to fulfill your tasks perfectly and pay attention to every detail. I have to work on that.”
With Toni Fritsch, Toni Linhart and Ray Wersching, three Austrians have already played in the most expensive sports league in the world, but none of them were drafted and acted above all in the special position of the kicker. As a classic outfield player, no domestic player has yet received NFL honors, Raimann should change that.
Platzgummer and Seikovits on hold
Meanwhile, the other two Austrians who are trying to make their way into the NFL via the International Pathway Program (IPP) are in the queue. As in the past two seasons, Tyrolean running back Sandro Platzgummer did not appear in the 53-man squad, but should once more have an exceptional place in the training squad. However, this does not allow any bets.
Meanwhile, there is no official statement from the Arizona Cardinals with tightend Bernhard Seikovits, who was also allowed to take his place in the training squad last season.
