Arbeite hart – träume groß

Already in my second interview, I decided that I no longer want to count rings – even though they look really great on your hand, Niklas Römer (Link to Niklas Römer's insider report). I have chosen to tell stories that enrich. But on my way to the best clubs in Germany, I had special encounters. There were players and their stories that touched me in a special way and that's why I want to tell them. Like the story of the player who held a football in his hands for the first time almost four years ago and has managed to play for one of the best teams in Europe – the New Yorker Lions Braunschweig. So, I was interested in how something like this is possible? Julian, how did you get into football?

I was approached during my apprenticeship by a colleague who was a player for the "Langenfeld Longhorns," asking if I would like to come to training. At that time, I weighed just over 80 kilograms and was assigned as a receiver in the first training session. However, everyone quickly realized that it probably wouldn't work, as I hadn't caught a single ball after two hours. The head coach, Michael Hap, then referred me to the Defense Coordinator Frank Hoffmeister, who said, "I have trained everyone so far, and we will make it work." My body was totally inadequate for this position, so I was relatively relieved that we only played in the 4th league as a team. This allowed me to grow slowly and get used to the increasing challenges of the opponents. We steadily worked our way up to eventually even ascend to the 2nd GFL. I believe if I had started with football earlier, I might not have stuck with it. I used to be very fickle. I tried out various sports. I played soccer for six years, and briefly tennis as well. What I like most about football is the team spirit, the lived respect, and the discipline. In football, you have the chance to develop quickly if you work hard.

I always set myself new, small goals. My first goal back then was not to be run over on the field. Then it was my goal to eventually be able to help the team as a backup player. Then I wanted to become a starter. I always noticed that I could catch up with some players quite quickly. Players who had been playing football since their youth. Next, I started training very "football-specific" strength. Moving away from the idea that I only train my arms to look good in the club – but to do what I need on the field.

In the off-season before the first season in Braunschweig, I certainly made the biggest leap. When I first came to Braunschweig, at a time when the club had only shown casual interest in me, I was asked how much I weighed. At that time, it was 102 kg, and wanting to make an impression, I stated 105 kg. My coach then said that 110 kg wouldn't be bad. So, I trained twice a day, and by the start of the season, I weighed 113 kg.

I have always been highly motivated by football camps. There, you meet many different players from all over Germany. When people like Raphael Llanos or Christian Mohr came to me and told me how good they thought I was, it was incredibly honoring. You learn quickly there because you learn from such talented people who spend these days with you, whether they are coaches or players.

But if Braunschweig had not shown interest in me, I would definitely still be playing in Langenfeld. I would have never dared to apply somewhere – due to lack of self-confidence in football, because I haven't been playing for so long, and because I would never challenge people like Patrick Finke (Link to Patrick Finke's insider report) or Christopher Cauvet for a starting position. I would have also never switched to a club that was or would be a competitor of the Longhorns – simply out of respect for my team. I would never want to play against my old team. For me, it's not an option to travel around Germany and play for every team for a season.

I believe a good leader is also a good team player. I think I could be a good leader. I think I am a good team player who can sometimes take on a leadership role.

I WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS POSSIBLE!!!!

In your opinion, what defines the special mentality of a player in your position?

Unlike some other positions, you are constantly matched up against the same opponent. Offense Tackle against Defense End. Therefore, you must always be sure that you are the stronger one and that you dominate your opponent not only physically but also mentally. It is also very important to be disciplined, to avoid things like "Offsides" that can happen quickly at the line due to lack of concentration.

A player in my position should definitely bring mental strength, which is certainly important in its own way on every position. Also, one must not be selfish but must be willing to sometimes do the groundwork for the linebackers – without appearing prominently in the statistics.

Honestly, I never considered it because it has never been an issue for me so far. My "career" has always been on the rise. No prolonged injuries, no dissatisfaction due to lack of playing time or anything like that. I have always known what was missing if I didn't make it to a starting position. It has nothing to do with lack of motivation but rather with realistic self-assessment. However, I can imagine that one might face such points when one day their performance stagnates or they have to overcome a serious injury.

Good question... I don't think I have consciously applied any methods. Sometimes I just look in the mirror and wonder how far I can go. Where I am now – I never thought it was possible. And why shouldn't I have more, seemingly "unrealistic" goals now? I think that's how I train my mind. Just occasionally think about where you come from and where you could possibly go.

If you mean what my motto is, I would answer with "hard work pays off" or "work hard – dream big." These are two sayings that have always followed me and with which I can identify. There is also the saying "hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard"... but what is possible when talent also works hard one day?

Fortunately, I can draw motivation from many things. Whether I watch football pump-up videos, documentaries of successful athletes, or sports movies. Or when someone tells me I can't do something. But also when I have a simple WhatsApp conversation with my brother about our respective training. One might motivate more in the short term and trigger adrenaline, the other might motivate over weeks, months, or even years.