Julius Welschof still dreams of making his debut in the North American professional football league NFL, but the German has already played alongside some of the sport’s biggest names.
For example, with icon Aaron Rodgers – who has “an incredible presence, is confident, direct and honest,” said the 28-year-old in an interview about the star quarterback. Since the summer, Welschof has been training with the 2011 Super Bowl champion at the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“If something isn’t working, he addresses it without beating around the bush,” said Welschof. However, communication with the 41-year-old, who became a legend with the Green Bay Packers, is “never disrespectful or exaggerated, but rather a clear statement at the right moment,” explained Welschof. The linebacker is still waiting to make his debut in the world’s best league; in Pittsburgh, he is part of the practice squad.

He says he can learn a lot from Rodgers, who signed with the American Football Conference franchise for one year in June after two years with the New York Jets: “I’m more of a quiet guy myself, but I like this direct approach,” the linebacker explained: “When someone says what was good or what wasn’t right, that helps the most. Everyone has to be able to put their ego aside. “

The same applies to Welschof: even in his second year in Pittsburgh, he is not part of the 53-man main squad, but he still sees a lot of positives in his situation: ”I’ll be honest: I’m still happy. Playing for an NFL team is something very special,“ he said: ”I see it as a privilege to be part of this organization.”