"Football is My Life!" Nadine Nurasyid on Passion, Challenges, and Making Her Mark on the Game
Beginnings and motivation in american football
- Can you tell us about your athletic background and how you got into American football?
My path to American football was rather unconventional. At a GFL game for the Munich Cowboys, I was approached by the Munich Cowboys Ladies. At the time, I was already 27 and initially skeptical about the whole thing.
It took me a year to finally decide to try out a training session, but once I did, I was completely hooked. From that moment on, American football profoundly shaped my life and my career. The sport not only gave me a new passion but also helped me grow as a person.
- What motivates you daily to work in American football, and what fascinates you about this sport?
To me, American football is the most exciting and fascinating sport in the world. Every day brings new challenges, and there's always something to learn. Sports, in general, allow you to let go and surround yourself with like-minded people. Together, you experience an emotional rollercoaster, and the friendships formed in those moments last a lifetime.
What makes American football so special is the diversity within a team. There's no single prototype player; every body type, every character, every physical and mental skill is needed. At first glance, it might look like pure chaos, but everything is choreographed down to the smallest detail. Not only are the players highly specialized, but the coaches work closely together to achieve a common goal.
This mix of athletic and cognitive challenges is what makes football so appealing. And of course, every game day is a real spectacle, with football offering plenty of entertainment even off the field.
Challenges and promoting young talent
- What challenges do you face as a woman in a male-dominated sport?
The biggest challenges in this sport lie in leading and working with so many different people. Football requires that you, as a coach, bring out the best in each individual every day and develop the team as a whole. I've experienced a lot of tolerance in American football, and at the end of the day, competence is what matters—not gender.
Of course, there were situations where I had to prove myself, but that's part of the game. In those moments, assertiveness and conviction are needed. Fundamentally, there’s a need to create more opportunities and structural support for women in the future.
- What role does youth development play in American football, and how can we best support young talents?
Youth development is the foundation of every sport and crucial to the success of American football, both now and in the future. For years, I trained football coaches for the association, including many youth coaches. Talent development is essential, particularly in the area of athletic fundamentals. There’s still a lot of untapped potential here.
As the GFL team’s head coach, I was always in close contact with the youth coaches. Recognizing talent early on and investing in their development is key to ensuring that young players meet the high demands of the sport and help it grow.
A look on the future of american football
- What are your thoughts on the growing interest in American football in Germany and Europe?
I think it’s fantastic that American football is gaining more attention in Germany and Europe. It’s wonderful to see more and more people sharing my passion for this sport. An increasing number of fans follow the NFL, spending Sunday evenings watching games.
With the growing interest, player numbers also rise, leading to better competition and higher skill levels. This interest also attracts sponsors, which is crucial for the sport’s development. Football tells great stories, and I’m thrilled that more people want to be part of these stories.
- Who do you think will win the next Super Bowl in New Orleans in 2025?
Answering this before the season starts is like looking into a crystal ball. But I'm going to go out on a limb and say the Kansas City Chiefs will be the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive Super Bowls. It would be a historic moment, and I think they have what it takes to pull it off.
- How did you feel when around 70,000 fans sang "Country Roads" at the first NFL game in Munich in November 2022?
That was an absolute goosebumps moment. It was already surreal enough that the NFL came to Munich—to our hometown. But then, sitting at the 50-yard line and commentating was an emotional highlight. Having the chance to see Tom Brady live was incredibly special. And when the whole arena started singing "Country Roads," it was just breathtaking. It’s no wonder videos of that moment went viral in the U.S. It was a memory I’ll cherish forever.
- If you had to choose between a career as an American football coach and as a TV expert, which would you choose and why?
Fortunately, I don’t have to make that decision. In my heart, I’m primarily a football coach. I want to take every opportunity to grow and become a better coach. There’s still so much to learn, and that excites me immensely. At the same time, this experience makes me a better TV expert. Both roles complement each other perfectly, so I’m grateful I can pursue both paths simultaneously.
