A German NFL star in Seattle!
Aaron Donkor (26) is currently part of the Seattle Seahawks Practice Squad. This training group is allowed to train with the team, but is not part of the matchday squad.
In an exclusive interview with BILD, Donkor talks about his special role in the team, NFL superstar Russell Wilson (33) and social media.
Aaron, you post relatively little on social media. Do you find social media annoying? Or do you just focus fully on your job as an NFL professional?
Aaron Donkor: “I’m still building my foundation. It’s about how can I be maximally effective with the Seahawks? Social media is maybe one of my weaknesses. Part of me wishes I could give people and football kids a better look. The time will come. I am currently fully occupied with my routine, which also includes learning the playbook. Instagram is an extreme distraction sometimes, I find. I’m just not good at it either. “
What does a normal working day look like for you?
Aaron Donkor: “Wednesday and Thursday are busiest. I usually start around six o’clock. Weight training until eight o’clock, then endless meetings – special teams, defensive and position meetings … until about 11 o’clock. Then a walk-through. Lunch at twelve o’clock, followed by training in the field. That goes until 4 p.m. Then more meetings. And then watch the video material on your own again and relax. The next day everything starts all over again. “
Sounds like a lot more than a 40-hour week.
Aaron Donkor: “I am blessed. Some days are long, some shorter. But it’s fun.”
What is the difference between you as a “Practice Squad” player and the active squad?
Aaron Donkor: “Well, we have the same rhythm as the guys on the field. I’m not wearing a jersey on the day of the match, but instead try to push the guys positively from the sidelines. In training I prepare our offense for the opponent. ”
How does that go? Do you embody an opposing defender on the training field?
Aaron Donkor: “I agree. Lately I’ve been doing a lot as an edge rusher so that our offensive line knows what to expect. Of course, I can also improve myself. “
When you play the opposing defender, you’re dealing with Russell Wilson too. The Seahawks quarterback is one of the biggest stars in the league. What’s Wilson like?
Aaron Donkor: “A very good person, teammate and team leader. It’s not too big for the locker room either. Some may not be able to imagine, but he is like any other person. “
Four wins, eight losses: the Seahawks season has not been going well so far. How is the mood in the team?
Aaron Donkor: “Still professional. We just focus on the next game. Of course, defeats hurt. We try to objectively analyze why it is. The coaches do it well. “
The Seattle Seahawks will face one of the weakest NFL teams on Sunday (December 12th, 7pm): the Houston Texans (two wins, ten losses).
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