Colts' Bernhard Raimann 'Over the Moon' to Play Near Home, Family
When the NFL schedule was released in May, one game immediately caught the attention of Bernhard Raimann.
Born and raised in Steinbrunn, Austria, the 2022 third-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts is a long way from home. His family still lives in Austria as Raimann fulfills his dream in the United States. Only one of Raimann's family members has even seen him play in person since he moved to the States.
"My dad has been the only one that has watched me play," Raimann admitted.
That will all change on Sunday. The game that caught Raimann's attention was on November 12th in Frankfurt, Germany, as the Colts take on the New England Patriots at Deutsche Bank Park. Less than a six-hour drive from his hometown, Raimann will finally get to play in front of his family.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity," Raimann said with a smile. "When they first announced it, I was over the moon excited about the game. A couple family members – like my grandma might have never traveled over to the US. It’s a long fight once you get older. For her to be able to come to a game – it’s an unbelievable chance for everybody (and) for my family. I’m just beyond excited about it.”
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) blocks Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen (41) during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Robert Scheer-USA TODAY Sports
Most players in the NFL do not face the challenge that Raimann does every week. With the NFL largely made up of American-born players, having family and friends in attendance for games usually takes flying or driving a few hours, at most. For Raimann, this may be his only chance to have all his family present to support him.
Raimann will have 18 family members on hand as he takes the field in Germany. His parents, grandparents, cousins, and others are all expected to take in the action. Having the opportunity to see their pride and joy take the field is all they ever wanted.
"It’ll be cool for him to go over there and see his family and all those people," head coach Shane Steichen said. "I’m sure he’ll have a ton of people at the game. It’s great to have a player on our team to go over there, go play that game in Germany. It’ll be great for him.”
The NFL has exploded in popularity in Europe since the league began playing games across the pond in 2007. From one game a year in 2007 to five in 2023, contests sell out in mere minutes as fans rush to get their tickets. Raimann was one of those fans who got the opportunity to see the sport in person, fueling a love for the game that would end up taking him places he had never dreamed of.
"I remember how much it meant to me back then when I went to my first-ever NFL game, which was played in London," Raimann explained. "It was huge then and it was super exciting for me. I’d started playing football and being able to see the NFL live meant that much for me. I had a couple of my old teammates with me that we went to the game together and that was just an awesome experience."
Raimann remembers going to that game like it was yesterday. Now, as a player, he wants to have the same impact that those players had on him.
The left tackle is also in the midst of a breakout campaign. In seven games this season, Raimann has allowed just two sacks and four QB hits in 310 pass blocking snaps. He is currently graded as the ninth-best offensive tackle in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus.
With how Raimann has played in his sophomore season, he is well on his way to solidifying himself as the Colts' franchise left tackle. No longer is he just a guy for this team. There is a noticeable drop in play from the offensive line when Raimann is not protecting the blind side of Anthony Richardson or Gardner Minshew.
Raimann's impact is crucial to the Colts' success. When you are in a position to hold considerable importance on the field with your play, you can have an even larger impact off of it. Raimann is a role model to those kids in Austria and Germany who dream of making it to the NFL.
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Bernhard Raimann (79) and tight end Kylen Granson (83) celebrate with wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (11) after a touchdown.
© Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
"That just gets me even more fired up to go over there and to experience the flip side of it," Raimann remarked. "Just being able to engage with the people that are there and putting on a good performance just because I remember back then when I was a kid and I saw those guys play in London how much it meant to me.”
The Colts are focused on getting a victory against the Patriots before heading into their bye. A win brings the Colts to 5-5, keeping them in the thick of a very competitive playoff race in the AFC. A loss drops the Colts to 4-6, greatly decreasing their chances of making it to the postseason.
With stud pass rusher Matt Judon on injured reserve, Raimann will be tasked with blocking Deatrich Wise Jr. for much of the game. Wise has two sacks on the season, third-most for the Patriots. Rookie Keion White will also get some rushes against Raimann.
But after going up against the likes of Myles Garrett, Josh Allen, Brian Burns, and Cameron Jordan already in 2023, Raimann is up for the challenge. Not to mention, he will have extra motivation from the stands.
Sunday will likely be much of his family's only opportunity to see him play, and Raimann is determined to make their experience memorable.
"(Only) one of them has watched me play. It’s going to be fun.”
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