12 Questions with Nouredin Nouili
Nouredin Nouili brings an extraordinary football journey to Munich: Wetterau Bulls, high school football, Colorado State, Nebraska, an NFL opportunity with the New Orleans Saints, CFL experience and now the Munich Ravens. In 12 Questions, the offensive lineman talks about his path, Nebraska as a second home, his NFL experience, the importance of teamwork and why Kendral Ellison and Sean Shelton showed him that football is ultimately about people.
From his first practice with the Wetterau Bulls to the big stage of college football at Nebraska: Nouredin Nouili has lived a path many young European players dream of. Now he wears #63 for the Munich Ravens and wants to help the team with experience, attitude and joy — whether on the offensive line, in another role or simply as the best teammate he can be.
Nouredin, you were born in Germany and later made the jump to football in the United States. How did your football journey originally begin?
My football journey actually started with soccer. At some point I lost the joy for that sport and tried other sports. Then my stepfather told me I should try football. He has been a Patriots fan since the 90s and had season tickets for the Galaxy back in the NFL Europe days. After my first practice with the Wetterau Bulls, I immediately loved the sport. To this day, football has taken me further in life than I ever could have imagined.
Many German players dream of playing college football in the United States. When did you realize: I really want to take this path?
Honestly, I never thought I was good enough for college football. I think the first time I really felt it was when college coaches came to my high school game to watch me.
You were on the field early at Colorado State and immediately took responsibility as an offensive lineman. How important was that first college stop for your development?
Without the experience I had at Colorado State, I would never be where I am today. My offensive line coach at the time believed in me — even more than I believed in myself. Without him, I probably would not still be playing football today.
After that you moved to Nebraska, a major football program with huge tradition. What did your time with the Cornhuskers do for you athletically and personally?
Nebraska is and will always be a new home for me. I met friends and a new family there. I met my girlfriend there. My life is Nebraska. I want to live there and have my children grow up there. Athletically, without Nebraska there would be no Nouredin the football player. Through the highs and lows I experienced there as a player, I learned how to play, learn and work.
In 2023, you started many games at guard for Nebraska. At that level, what does an offensive lineman need mentally besides strength and technique?
That is a very good question. Personally, I think that as a guard you have to know what the tackle next to you is going to do and what the center is going to do before he tells you. You have to be able to anticipate it so you know what your assignment is and whether you can help them.
After college came the opportunity with the New Orleans Saints. How did you experience that moment when it became clear you would get an NFL opportunity?
I wish it had lasted longer. But I am very happy that, as a German football player and, as far as I know, also as the first Tunisian player, I had the chance to be signed by an NFL team. The goal is still to somehow make it back there, even if the chance is small.
You also gained experience in the CFL environment. What makes football culture in Canada different from college football and NFL structures?
Football in Canada is a completely different beast. I would recommend everyone to watch a Canadian football game because it is really interesting. Personally, I did not have such a good experience there because there were rules that unfortunately got in my way as a global player, meaning as a non-American and non-Canadian. Because of that, I was not allowed to play.
Now you are on the Munich Ravens roster. What attracted you to Munich, the Ravens and this new chapter?
Kendral Ellison and Sean Shelton. They showed me that football is not everything, but that the human connection with different people, cultures and personalities is more important than football itself. Those two are the reason I came to Munich.
The Ravens have ambitious goals and want to establish themselves further in Europe. What role do you want to take in this offensive line?
As you could see in the game, offensive line is not the only role. But honestly: from the beginning I said I do not care how, I want to help the team win. Whether that is on the offensive line, on the defensive line or giving players water on the sideline. Canada had really taken the joy of the sport away from me. In the game against Galaxy, I felt again what I felt at my very first practice.
You bring experience from Germany, college football, the NFL environment and the CFL. What advice would you give young European players who also want to attack internationally?
Two things: availability is your greatest ability. And try to be as coachable as possible. You do not want to do a technique wrong, be told how to do it correctly and then do it wrong again. That can get you out of the picture quickly.
How do you currently view the development of American football in Germany and Europe, especially with teams like the Munich Ravens?
Personally, I think there is too much working against each other. You now have two European leagues and many national leagues, all competing against each other and taking players from one another. I find that a bit difficult. At the same time, I think the Ravens are doing a good job of making it attractive for international and homegrown players.
When Munich Ravens fans see you on the field this season, what should the name Nouredin Nouili stand for?
The name Nouredin Nouili stands and will always stand for me trying to be the best teammate, helping the team win as much as possible and always having fun doing it. You will not see me sad. No matter what: I get to play a kids’ game as my job. There is no reason for me not to attack every day with joy. I am really looking forward to the first home game in Munich so the fans can see that I love this game. GO RAVENS!
Many thanks to Nouredin Nouili for his open answers and his very personal look at his football journey. His story shows how far passion, coachability, setbacks and genuine joy for the game can carry you.