Former NFL Tight End Bernhard Seikovits Returns to Vienna Vikings in Landmark Deal
Vienna, Austria – In a major boost for European football, the Vienna Vikings have announced the return of Austrian tight end Bernhard Seikovits. The 28-year-old, a Vienna native, has signed a one-year contract with the team after a period in the United States attempting to secure a permanent NFL roster spot. This represents breaking news for fans of the Vienna Vikings and the growing American football scene in Europe, and is optimized for Google News indexing.
From NFL Dreams to European Dominance
Seikovits’ journey has taken him from the International Pathway Program, which led to opportunities with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers, to a frustrating release from the Arizona Cardinals last April. The Cardinals opted to use their international player spot on offensive lineman Valentinn Senn, a teammate of Austrian football figurehead Bernhard Raimann of the Indianapolis Colts. Despite a foot injury slowing his progress, Seikovits remains optimistic. “The dream isn’t completely dead yet,” he stated in an ORF interview, but his immediate focus is now firmly on the Vikings.
A Perfect Fit: Why Seikovits Chose the Vikings
Despite interest from other teams, Seikovits was drawn to the professional environment offered by the Vienna Vikings. “From a player’s perspective, in my opinion the Vikings are the team in Europe that offers you as an athlete the most professional environment,” he explained. Head coach Chris Calaycay was instrumental in securing Seikovits’ return, recognizing his value as one of the best players in Austrian football.
Filling the Void: Seikovits Replaces Bierbaumer
The Vikings’ acquisition of Seikovits also addresses the departure of tight end Florian Bierbaumer, who has moved to the Louisville Kings in the United League of Football (UFL) in the USA. This strategic move strengthens the Vikings’ roster as they embark on a latest challenge in the American Football League Europe (AFLE).
The Vikings’ New Era: From ELF to AFLE
The Vienna Vikings are transitioning to the AFLE after competing in the European League of Football (ELF), where they reached two consecutive championship finals. The team boasts a rich history, having won 16 Austrian Bowl titles and five Eurobowl championships (2004-2007, 2013). Founded in 1983, the Vikings have consistently been a dominant force in European American football. This move to the AFLE represents a new chapter for the club, and with Seikovits on board, they are poised to contend for the title.
Seikovits’ return, alongside compatriot Sandro Platzgummer’s experience in the New York Giants system, signals a growing trend of European players making their mark on the American football world. The Vienna Vikings are clearly committed to building a team capable of competing at the highest level, and Seikovits’ presence will undoubtedly be a key factor in their success. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continued coverage of the Vienna Vikings and the exciting developments in European football.
