Stefan Maierhofer: Ex-football star celebrates debut at the Vienna Vikings!

Stefan Maierhofer: Ex-football star celebrates debut at the Vienna Vikings!

Stefan Maierhofer, the former professional football player, will make his debut as a kicker of Vienna Vikings in the European League of Football (Elf) next Saturday at 6:00 p.m. The clash in the "Battle of Austria" takes place in the Vienna Generali-Arena against the Raiders Tyrol. The 42-year-old has integrated into the team well in the short time since moving to the American football and sees the Vikings as one of the most renowned clubs in Europe. He also sees the eleven as the third best league worldwide when it comes to the entire sport.

Maierhofer, who previously played for important clubs such as Rapid Vienna, Bavaria Munich, Wolverhampton and Red Bull Salzburg, was selected by the Vikings due to its talents and his attitude. It is particularly noteworthy that the decision to sign a former football professional was already made at the end of 2024. This shows the clear goal of the association to strengthen the kicking unit, especially in view of the violation of the regular kicker Dennis Tasic.

training and preparation

Maierhofer initially focuses on kickoffs, but could also take responsibility for Fieldgoals, although this is still uncertain. In his previous training sessions, he has already successfully met from distances of 35 and 40 yards. He receives support from the former NFL kicker Giorgio Tavecchio, who analyzes his technology and helps him to adapt to the new sport. Vikings quarters back Ben Holmes emphasizes the experience and calm of Maierhofer in pressure situations that could help him be successful in the decisive moment of the game.

head coach Chris Calaycay emphasizes the need to realize the kicks to score points. In the previous season, Oskar Herz and Philipp clearly took on the role of the kicker, but had to shoot critical field goals from 33 and 34 yards in a recent game. This illustrates the need for a reliable kicking solution that Maierhofer may offer.

The importance of the changeover

The move from football to American football is a challenge for Maierhofer, but he already feels comfortable in the team and appreciates the cooperation and respect within the Vikings. His goal is to reach the eleven Championship Game 2025 in Stuttgart in front of 50,000 fans. He is pleased to be part of an emerging sport that is becoming increasingly popular in Germany. In view of the numerous football fans in Germany and the growing popularity of the eleven, Maierhofer's commitment is of great importance.

While the eleven was founded in 2021 and now attracts 17 teams from 9 countries, sport in Germany is continuously promoted by various initiatives, including the NFL broadcasts and the edition of the Flag Football Program. The success of the German national team in recent years and the economic influence of the NFL events in Germany show that American football is a promising sport in this country.

Maierhofer not only brings his sporting skills, but also his impressive size of 2.02 m into the team, which could possibly make him a valuable kicker. His return to sports is causing a sensation and is pursued both in Austria and internationally. The support from an experienced kicking coach and his tireless focus on improving his technology are promising indicators for his upcoming challenges in the eleven.

Links to the sources: OE24 href = "https://europeanleague.football/news/former-soccer-stefan-maier-joins-joins-vienna-vikings-3216"> Europeanleague.football href = "https://americanfootball100.de/american-football-statistiken/"> americanfootball100.de .