Bernhard Raimann and the Indianapolis Colts drew 20:20 with the Houston Texans on Monday night. The 24-year-old’s frustration at the missed opening win was limited, as the debutant is the first Austrian not to play the kicker in the US professional football league NFL (National Football League).
“It was an indescribable feeling,” said the Viennese, who because of his nervousness couldn’t remember some of the moves exactly. This was partly due to the 70,000 spectators in Houston’s NRG Stadium. “I’ve dreamed of it for years, and I still don’t believe that it’s finally a reality myself. Sometimes I have to pinch myself because it still feels a little unreal,” said Raimann.
Impeccable performance
Already in the first half, Raimann, who is currently standing in behind veteran Matt Pryor, was sent onto the field several times by his offensive line coach Chris Strausser. He should clear the way for star running back Jonathan Taylor. The newcomer performed this task perfectly, sometimes on the right side as an additional blocker. “I tried to do my job as best I could and not let the ten other guys down. That was okay,” Raimann hopes to get more playing time in the future.
His family was rooting for him at home. “They were all very excited and sent pictures to the family group on WhatsApp,” said Raimann after a first look at the smartphone. His fiancee Calli also stayed in Indianapolis due to the stress of the journey, where she babysat the newest member of the family, the golden retriever “Dax”.
Source: Nachrichten
