INDIANAPOLIS – This season has been a full circle moment for German native and Colts’ global ambassador Bjoern Werner.
The Florida State star pass rusher was the Colts’ first round draft pick in 2013, but his pro career was short-lived. Injuries plagued Werner, cutting his NFL career short.
“I only played three years, unfortunately,” Werner told Blue Zone’s Chris Widlic at the team’s complex. “I thought I was going to play forever like every NFL player, but the body eventually said no. The knees didn’t make it.
“There’s nothing I regret, because I gave it my all. I left it all on the field. I lived the dream. Seven years ago I was still a player here. Now I’m coming back as an ambassador, work with an NFL team and it’s my NFL team that drafted me and made it possible for me to live an American dream, so it’s pretty cool.”
Since his retirement, Werner’s become a commentator and analyst for NFL games on RTL, a German television network, including a first ever live broadcast from an NFL stadium.
“A lot of people watch it, social media reach, TV reach, the viewership goes up every year,” said Werner. “For me to be a part of it from day one, it’s amazing to see it. I’m blessed to be part of this journey.”
Colts starting tackle Bernhard Raimann, a native of Austria calls Werner a pioneer, creating a path to American football for Europeans.
“Obviously, it doesn’t happen a whole lot that a German speaker makes it through college and gets drafted, especially a first round pick,” Raimann said. “Having someone that’s been through it with a similar background, it was huge for me. He really helped me out a ton and now to see him on TV getting to interact with him a lot, it’s awesome.”
“It’s different in Germany,” Werner said. “It’s still new. Fans are not experts. The U.S. fans are so deep into the game and we are still teaching the game, trying to touch people who have never seen it. Explain basic rules and help grow the audience in Germany.”
