The South Tyrolean mega-talent and the big NFL dream

21 years young, 2,01 meters tall, 141 kilos - Maximilian Pircher is a phenomenon, a model athlete who subordinates everything to a big dream: He wants to get into the US football league NFL. Pircher moved a lot closer to this at the end of last year. He made it into the NFL's Pathway Program. A program whose goal is to provide players around the world with NFL opportunities. Hundreds of athletes took part, but only eleven made it to the decisive phase - and Pircher is one of them.

But how does that actually work? Pircher provides clarity: “NFL scouts observe and follow the players, inform them that they are on their list and then invite them to combines, i.e. normal tests that are also carried out at the draft. I had to go to Schwäbisch Hall, where they tested strength, speed and other things,” reports the 21-year-old. The results are then meticulously evaluated and the decision is communicated, he says. Those chosen will then travel to Florida at the end of January this year, where they will train for two to three months with coaches, nutritionists and scouts at the renowned IMG Academy, founded by coaching legend Nick Bollettieri. After completing the Pathway Program, the costs of which are covered entirely by the NFL, the players can be assigned to a team or signed by the franchises themselves. However, this does not guarantee that you will actually make it into the 53-man playing squad. Late starter There was initially little indication that Pircher would eventually start as a footballer. In his youth, the exceptional talent laced up his football boots for ASV Milland and also played for SSV Brixen. Football and handball determined his life. Pircher's love for football only began in 2018 when his then high school teacher took him to a game. “I just thought it was great and knew that’s what I wanted to do,” says Pircher. He began training and applied to the Swarco Raiders Tirol in Innsbruck, who were Europe's best team at the time. “I did a tryout and they promptly gave me a contract.” From there everything took off. Pircher won the Austrian Bowl, was called up to the national team and sensationally reached the Final Four at the 2019 European Championships - and thereby aroused the desire of big clubs.

Celebrated by his teammates: Maximilian Pircher © Maximilian Pircher

The Hildesheim Invaders signed the 2-meter man, but Pircher never played a game for the Germans. The coronavirus essentially brought the league to a standstill. The South Tyrolean also had an offer from a US college, which represents something big in an athlete's career. “But I preferred to develop further under my coach in Hildesheim,” he explains his choice. The fact that he is studying international economics at the University of Innsbruck influenced his decision. Great responsibility In the city 30 kilometers southeast of Hanover, the South Tyrolean continued to train and work on himself - even though there were no games. For a left tackle, one of the most important positions in American football, physical condition is the be-all and end-all. He has to be at the very edge of the offensive line, the line in front of the quarterback, to prevent opposing defensive ends and tackles from stopping the quarterback from passing to put pressure on. Pircher defends the so-called “blind side” of his playmaker if he is a right-handed player. On the one hand, the left tackle has to be extremely strong, but on the other hand he also has to be quick and agile in order to be able to keep up with the lighter defense players.

In order to meet all of these requirements, Pircher follows a strict training and nutrition plan that his girlfriend, a fitness trainer, developed for him. “We do strength training, running training and sprints in the morning. In the afternoon I usually do football-specific exercises under the guidance of my trainer, who is not on site but is connected,” says Pircher. The hardest thing for him is not losing the weight with all the training. To understand what it means to be a left tackle, one number is enough, namely 195: That's how many kilograms the powerhouse is able to bench press - unbelievable.

With these physical requirements, but also thanks to his great will and exemplary professionalism, Pircher made it into the coveted Pathway Program. “My goal is to present myself there in the best possible way, say everything and do my best,” emphasizes the offensive lineman: “And of course I want to make it to the NFL. A dream would come true.” Whether this will actually come true remains to be seen. Anyone who makes it this far as a career changer within two and a half years can do anything.

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The South Tyrolean mega-talent and the big NFL dream

His name is not (yet) known to the masses, but his talent is enormous and his will is irrepressible. About Maximilian Pircher and his big NFL dream.

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Football

Italy

International leagues

International

hockey

Winter sports

Tennis

Read More

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Favorites

The South Tyrolean mega-talent and the big NFL dream

His name is not (yet) known to the masses, but his talent is enormous and his will is irrepressible. About Maximilian Pircher and his big NFL dream.

More on this topic

Pircher has to fight his way up

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