NFL: Moubarak Djeri at the Cardinals: “Not many Germans come here”

Moubarak Djeri spoke about his first experiences in preparing for the Arizona Cardinals season. The German Defensive End is currently working to make the leap into the team’s squad.

Djeri, who played for the Cologne Crocodiles in the German Football League for the last two years, was signed by the Cardinals after a tryout for the offseason roster. Currently, the 22-year-old, who wants to make it into the 53-man squad or practice squad, is one of only four Germans in the league.

“There aren’t many Germans coming here,” the homepage of the Arizona Cardinals quotes him. “It’s always a big surprise when someone gets the chance to make it into the NFL.” Currently there are only three other Germans in the world’s best football league besides Djeri with Moritz Böhringer (Bengals), Christopher Ezeala (Ravens) and Eric Nzeocha (Buccanners).

The new Cardinals head coach Steve Wilks is impressed by Djeri’s eagerness to work: “He’s practically learning the game anew, it takes time. But his attitude is great. I’m very excited about his development.” One simply has to wait and see how Djeri develops.

He knows that there is still work ahead of him: “Football is football, that hasn’t changed. But I still have a lot to learn and a new level to reach.” At the same time, he does not want to be deterred by his homesickness for Germany: “You think about it in the hotel alone. But I know why I’m here. I have to prove to the coaches that I really want it.”