Der Hammer-Deal ist nun perfekt! Nationalteamspieler und Stanford Alumnus Thomas Schaffer, der 2021 auch kurz bei den Chicago Bears unter Vertrag war, kehrt nach einem Jahrzehnt in seine Wiener Heimat zurück und unterschreibt einen Ein-Jahres-Vertrag bei den Vienna Vikings in der European League of Football.
Seine erfolgreiche Football Odyssee führte den 26jährigen bereits 2012 nach Übersee. Nach drei Jahren High School an der Lake Forrest Academy folgte nahtlos das Vollstipendium in Stanford. Die kalifornische Elite-Universität war in der Folge fünf Jahre lang sein akademisches – Schaffer hat einen Abschluss in Media Studies & Economics – und athletisches Zuhause. Die Alma Mater teilt sich Thomas mit dem Vikings Co-Owner Robin Lumsden, der seit dem NFL Draft 2020 auch als sein Agent fungiert. Nach einem kurzen NFL Pre-Season Engagement bei den Chicago Bears, absolvierte Schaffer ein Probetraining bei den Indianpolis Colts, ehe er im August des Vorjahres Mid-Season bei den Raiders Tirol anheuerte.
„Ich freue mich außerordentlich, dass es Chris Calaycay und mir gelungen ist, Thomas nach Wien zu holen. Das lässt auch das große Stanford Cardinal Herz in mir höherschlagen. Ich weiß, dass Thomas seine Entscheidung sehr bewusst und wohlüberlegt getroffen hat. Die professionellen Strukturen sowie das herausragende Coaching hier bei uns in Wien haben dafür gesorgt, dass er jedes andere Angebot abgelehnt hat“, kommentiert Investor Robin Lumsden die Verpflichtung von Schaffer, die er beinah signifikant für den Status-Quo der Vikings Franchise sieht. „Thomas wird sich als Spieler weiterentwickeln und dieses Jahr eine herausfordernde Positionsänderung in Angriff nehmen, um für sein langfristiges Ziel optimal gerüstet sein. Wir als Organisation arbeiten auf mehreren Ebenen daran, den Professionalisierungsprozess voranzutreiben, um uns sportlich und systemisch als Vorzeige-Franchise der European League of Football dauerhaft zu festigen. Das ist die Herausforderung, der wir uns als Kollektiv stellen.“
Vienna Vikings Head Coach Chris Calaycay, der selbst seine universitären Wurzeln in Kalifornien (Berkley) hat, zeigt sich von seinem neuen Spieler begeistert und beobachtete Schaffer beim Training der vergangenen Wochen ganz genau: “Thomas has been a defensive lineman most of his career but has made the commitment and dedication to transitioning to the offensive side of the ball. He has the rare traits of size and athleticism, along with his football knowledge and experience, to make a quick transition to his new position in 2023. I am happy that he is back in his hometown Vienna, and I can‘t wait to see what he will do in Purple! “
Foto: Robin Lumsden
Thomas Schaffer – Dass erfahrene O-Linemen wie Milanovic oder Rab auch bei verschiedenen Drills mit Tipps und Feedback zur Seite stehen, zeigt, dass Schaffer bereits im Team angekommen ist. Der ‚verlorene Sohn‘ ist endlich wieder daheim in Wien. Und bereit für Großes.
Neo-Viking Thomas Schaffer im Interview
How does it feel to be back in your hometown after 10 years?
Thomas: It’s a good feeling to be back in Vienna, I grew up and have most of my family here. It gives me a lot of flexibility in my life to see my relatives, specifically my grandparents, since I have been gone for such a long time. I am overall happy and at ease to be here.
What made you sign with the Vienna Vikings?
Thomas: Signing with the Vienna Vikings was an important move for me because with all my circumstances it will help me reach the level I want to. The switch to Offensive Line and my Training needs stood at the forefront and I felt really comfortable that those are met here. I am very excited to move forward and see where this Team can go and help me elevate my game.
Please give us some insights on your transitioning from D-Line to O-Line!
Thomas: The transition has been difficult and frustrating to say the least but having consistent work with the OL Group here is very helpful at refining this skill for me. I think I have the tools to succeed at any level playing O-Line which is why I am making that switch. I have enjoyed the challenge and process and I am eager to get better every day at it. Austrian Football has been extremely supported in this process and I am excited to see where I can go with this change.
What are your goals and expectations for 2023?
Thomas: For me personally, I want to succeed at playing O-Line on a level that may take me beyond the ELF this year and I think I have the tools to get there with all the support I have been receiving from this organization. As for the team, I want to add value to the OL room and help this team to repeat as Champions.
How do your long-term career goals look like?
Thomas: My long-term goals are still the NFL and at the new position I believe I can get to the same level as Bernhard Raimann, who made also a position while still in College. The story behind the transition from DL to OL started also at the Colts when I was invited to try out for the Team in late July, where I saw Bernhard again. However, after what was seemingly a good workout as a DL, I was asked by the offensive Coaching Staff to make the switch to OT because of my athleticism for a guy my size, drawing comparisons with Starters at the Colts Offensive Line. I haven’t played on the offensive side of the ball for over 6 years, but that enthusiasm coming from an NFL Team made me realize that it was my best shot to getting back onto an NFL roster. This is why my long-term goals are nothing short of making it back to the highest league of American Football.
How does it feel to play for a franchise that is co-owned by Robin Lumsdon, a fellow alumnus of Stanford?
Thomas: I have known Robin for quite some time since he was at Stanford, and we met there when he came to a couple games with his family. He is also my representative in Austria and Europe since I declared for the NFL, so we have been working closely together for the past couple years to get me back to the highest level. He is a great guy, a real go-getter, and I think his involvement with the Vikings has definitely elevated how the Team operates and I am very excited that I am on board this year.
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