Austria’s NFL export Bernhard Raimann looked back on his turbulent rookie season in the best football league in the world with mixed feelings. “Obviously there were a lot of ups and downs,” said the Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle.
With a record of four wins, twelve losses and one draw, the Colts clearly missed the targeted play-offs, and the dream of the Super Bowl was over early on. Nevertheless, Raimann had good reason to be happy.
The 25-year-old, drafted 77th in the third round, started the season as a substitute. “In the beginning it is very difficult to get used to the pace,” emphasized Raimann in an interview with the APA – Austria Press Agency. “But you get better from game to game and learn from the mistakes.” After nine match days, the Viennese fought for a permanent place in the starting lineup, which he did not give up until the end of the season with good performances. Previously, he was a so-called starter in victories against the Denver Broncos and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Clear goal for second NFL season
Raimann has set himself a clear goal for his second season in the NFL. “I want to keep my starting position and help the team win more games to get to the playoffs and then from there to the Super Bowl,” said the left tackle. With the Colts, however, the signs are pointing to upheaval. During the season head coach Frank Reich was fired, under his successor Jeff Saturday, previously a TV expert, only managed one win.
In the last seven games of the season, the Colts have all left the field as losers, with Matt Ryan, Sam Ehlinger and Nick Foles also being used at quarterback. As the fourth-worst team in the league, “Indy” now has the fourth pick in the annual talent draw. All signs point to a young new quarterback leading the team. “We have very talented quarterbacks, but if the team wants to take a step forward and draft a quarterback, that’s cool too,” Raimann said. But as a player you don’t have any insider information, you find out everything on draft day like everyone else.
The Colts are also currently looking for a new head coach. Which means that Raimann has to prove himself again. “With a change in coaching, you know even less what’s going to happen. I got a chance at the position, but that’s all you get in this league,” he said. Nevertheless, the model athlete still has a lot planned. “For me personally, the goal is to be the best at the position, to be an All-Pro tackle.”
Raimann: “The homework is pretty easy”
Raimann showed progress in the second half of the season, where he was one of the best pass blockers in the league among the rookies. The 1.98 m giant, who is only in his third year as an offensive tackle, met top-class defensive specialists. It was a “huge learning experience” and a “super experience”, he said of opponents like superstar Khalil Mack, whom he had followed during his time in Austria. “That’s something really cool.”
Now it’s up to Raimann to get used to the techniques of the offensive line. “Then you feel even more comfortable on the field, which also slows down the game and makes it easier,” he explained. In the so-called off-season until September, Raimann is allowed to further maximize his approximately 137 kg. “The homework is pretty easy. If it tastes good, you can throw in more,” he said and laughed. In the kitchen, Raimann tries his hand at being a hobby cook. “If I need a piece of home, I make myself a roast pork or roast beef with bread dumplings and vegetables. You can eat a lot of it, so it’s a win-win situation.”
However, he is by no means the best cook. “It’s enough for me and my fiancee,” said Raimann with a grin. Until the first training camps in April, running training, units in the weight room and kickboxing as an alternative sport are also on the program. “To challenge the body in a different way and get the mind off football a bit.”
