By Chad Wingert (Contact / Staff Bio)

Originally published June 29, 2009, 12:28 p.m. EST. Updated June 29, 2009, 12:28 p.m. EST

CARO — To some in Germany, football means soccer.

But to Brandon Emeott and those of the German Football League, it’s anything but soccer.

Emeott is a member of the Assindia Cardinals, a professional football team in the GFL, a league that plays American style football.

One would think with American style football being played in Germany, there would be many changes. But Emeott says it’s still the same.

“There isn't really any difference between college football and professional football,” Emeott said. “They even use college rules over here.”

Emeott, a 2004 Caro grad, spent four years playing football for Saginaw Valley State University before pursuing professional football over sea’s. Just when Emeott’s time at SVSU was coming to an end, a friend gave him another way to keep his football career afloat.

“There have been numerous people that have went from SVSU over seas to play. But, the thing that really got me into it was when Jason Kelly from Bay City talked to me and gave me a website to look at,” Emeott said. “I went on the website, put my information up along with stats and my highlight film. The next thing I knew I was getting talked to by a few teams about flying over.”

For most the transition from college football to the professional ranks would be quite the adjustment, but Emeott says that the GFL has a long ways to go before catching up to the caliber of football in the USA.

“Of course, the German league has some really good players but the speed difference is amazing. I am use to seeing people run faster and they are sometimes even bigger then I am,” Emeott said. “German teams have a few years before they reach the talent level as the US.”

After five games, Emeott is fourth in the GFL with 436 yards on 59 carries and five touchdowns, averaging 7.4 yards a carry.

Emeott’s daily routine of a football player does not change because of a different country. He still plays one game a week, and along with practices, he spends a lot of time with his team.

“We practice a couple times a week and practices are a little laid back. They want to keep you ready for the games,” Emeott said. “When it comes to my down time, we try to adventure as much as possible, try to see everything that I can.”

Emeott and the Cardinals also mix work with play, taking time to enjoy the sites as well as visiting many different places while staying in Germany.

“The coaches really help out, helping us plan trips to go see things. Right now we are in the process of planning trips to Dublin, Ireland, London, England, Paris, France, and Barcelona, Spain,” Emeott said. “We try to stay as busy as possible because this truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Similar to the Canadian Football League, the GFL is very passionate about keeping the rosters within their country. The league has issued rules to avoid players from other countries taking over the league.

“There are not a lot US players, they try to keep it as local as possible,” Emeott said. “They import players but you are only allowed to have three import players on the field at one time.”

Another focus of the GFL is it’s youth. Assindia and it’s players are constantly out promoting American Football throughout Germany, trying to generate interest at a younger age.

“The thing I noticed about German football is that every team really promotes the sport and I really enjoy doing so,” Emeott said. “They really work with the area youth teams to try and establish the sport in Germany.”

Any football player will tell you that the game takes a toll on your body and that staying in shape and treating your body right is a must. Many would think that stepping up to the professional level would also mean stepping up your training and preparation toward the game. But, Emeott says he is just continuing to do what he does best - love the game of football.

“There wasn't really any adjustments that I really needed to make. I played the sport the same way I have always played, with passion and love for the game,” Emeott said. “I have spent the last five years at SVSU training and pushing myself to become better everyday. And with my determination, I’m very proud to look at where I am today.”

Emeott’s future with the Cardinals and the CFL is still undecided. He plans on going to grad school for physical therapy, which might put his football career on hold for a while.

“As for my future, I am just taking things one step at a time. I would not mind coming back to Germany, it is a great place,” Emeott said. “I am hoping that I can use this as a stepping stone and maybe be able to come back to play in the CFL.”

For more information on Emeott and his career, check out www.assindia-cardinals.de

Chad Wingert is the Sports Editor of the Advertiser and can be reached at Sports@tcadvertiser.com