Munich NFL Game: Jakob Johnson with New York Giants in Germany

Sometimes inside, sometimes outside, sometimes somewhere in between – the footballer’s life between fame and firing demands the maximum of intellect from Jakob Johnson.

“You just have to be calm and wait for your chance. It’s amazing for someone who has been sacked five times since the start of the season.

Jakob Johnson: Layoffs every week

Since signing a contract with the New York Giants in August, the Stuttgart native has constantly moved between a bye, a comeback and the practice squad, the training squad, as a middle fielder – every week.

When the NFL plays in Munich for the second time on Sunday, Johnson hopes to get another chance. Just a few days after his fifth release of the season, the back is back on the practice squad, his chances for the game against the Carolina Panthers (CONTINUE HERE) but they are very inconvenient.

The Giants called up two players from Saturday’s practice squad, but Johnson was absent. It is highly unlikely that more players will be picked up on Sunday.

A practice near his Swabian homeland would be a “dream come true,” Johnson said recently – but he also knows: “You’re just renting the jersey, you don’t own it.” “

NFL squad rules are very strict. Teams may only have 53 professionals on the active roster at any time during a season, plus a maximum of 17 players on the practice squad. Due to additional rules, Johnson currently has one of just six spots on the Giants’ practice squad – and has had to give it up several times as a result.

Jakob Johnson is looking forward to the Munich Game

At the end of the day, the Giants’ coaching staff around head coach Brian Daboll will make “the best decision,” Johnson said. He has already been in the matchday squad three times this season. “I said clearly: If there is something to be done, put me to work. But if there is nothing to be done, I am not angry with anyone.”

Johnson may be the first German to take the field at an NFL game on German soil. “It’s not even a childhood dream because nobody who started playing football in my time could have imagined that they would be playing in the NFL or that there would be an NFL game in Germany,” Johnson said, who is in his 50s and friends.

Since joining the New England Patriots through the development program in 2019, the German-American has accomplished much more than most people gave him credit for. He played alongside quarterback legend Tom Brady, the first German offensive player to score a touchdown – and is now in his sixth year in the NFL.

And even if it’s not enough for a mission, Johnson is looking forward to the event: “I’m really excited to be there.”