12 Questions – Der EFA-Talk with Stephan Heßeling
Stephan Heßeling has been part of the football community for many years. His first real contact with American football led him to Rhein Fire in NFL Europe — and from there deeper and deeper into the sport. Today he follows European football with passion, a clear opinion and a strong eye for fans, teams and community.
In “12 Questions – Der EFA-Talk”, Stephan Heßeling speaks about his first football experiences, his view on fans and community, the current situation in European football and the opportunities and challenges around EFA, AFLE and the sport’s future in Europe.
Stephan, how did you originally get into American football? Was there a specific moment, game or team that grabbed you?
My first real contact with American football was a Rhein Fire home game in NFL Europe, probably in 2006. I was there as an event visitor with friends, mainly for the entertainment, and afterwards we went to Düsseldorf’s old town. I had seen a few games on TV before, but the live game in Düsseldorf infected me. From then on I went to every Fire game with my young son. Sadly it was only two seasons. At 27 I started playing myself and became active as a coach quite quickly.
What fascinates you most about the sport today?
Overall, football is a spectacular sport: on the field, around the field and with the fans. What I like most in the ELF and hopefully in the new leagues is the combination of competitive sport and closeness to fans.
You are active in the football community and share your view on current topics. Why is that exchange important to you?
Over the last years I have been able to speak with so many people from football. Whether fan, player, coach or official — everyone is also a fan. Everyone has their own story, and I love talking directly to people who want to talk, so we can move the whole thing forward.
How do you experience the football scene in Germany and Europe right now? Has the community changed?
Our sport is currently shaped by major changes: the founding of the ELF, new paths in the GFL, the EFA and AFLE situation. A lot is moving, and not everyone wants or can follow it. Some fans may be lost, but new ones will come too. The biggest fan scene in the German-speaking area is affected strongly by the loss of Sea Devils, Centurions, Surge and other teams. I hope that can be repaired in the coming years.
You often address football topics directly and honestly. How important is a clear fan opinion?
Fans usually vote with their feet. If they do not go to the stadium or watch in stream or TV, something is wrong. Close contact is important, for example through fan representatives or fanclubs. But there will never be one single fan opinion, because the fan scene differs too much by country, region and league.
What makes a real football fan for you?
I do not think there is one definition. Everyone can be a fan, whether hardcore fan or occasional stadium visitor. What matters to me is that fans behave properly, cheer along and can also appreciate a great touchdown by the opponent.
How do you see the current development around EFA, AFLE and European football?
We discussed this a lot at Foot Bowl and in the webshow this winter. It could have been the end of European football at any time, but it has probably become a further development instead. Where it leads, I do not know. But the people in charge have to come together again. It will only succeed if there is a strong, reliable and exciting league in the end.
What already works well in European football and where is there room for improvement?
It is good that things continue, that many strong players want to play in Europe, that there are ways to watch our sport on TV or stream, and that there are great and crazy fans. The current situation is bad. If the possibilities and strengths of AFLE and EFA were combined in one league, we would have an incredible result this year.
What role do social media, reels, podcasts and fan content play today?
It only works through these channels now. I am almost old-school and still watch linear TV. People under 30 mostly do not. The internet is faster and more current, but quality is still needed. The steps of recent years are good, but in the end you need reach outside the football bubble to attract new fans.
Is there a football experience or moment you will never forget?
There were moments as a player and coach in lower leagues that felt like winning the Super Bowl. Usually they were not titles, but confirmation that an idea or decision helped. Regarding recent years, the final in Duisburg confirmed what is possible in European football. At the fan party I felt like I spoke with 1,000 people who all had a good day. That was a great moment.
If you could wish for one improvement in football in Germany and Europe, what would it be?
A lot in our sport is done because people enjoy it — in teams, on gamedays, in coverage and for fans. That joy must not be lost. Fun and joy can be shared without much effort or cost. Teams and fans have to show that better, because it connects people and brings in new fans.
What would you say to people who find American football exciting but are not yet part of the scene?
To stay with my previous answer: if you want to have fun, come to the stadium. I know no other fan scene that is so open and welcomes people so quickly. There is always someone who explains the rules, and there are always chances to be close to the stars. You only have to want it and you are welcome. Football is Family.
Many thanks to Stephan Heßeling for his open and honest answers. His perspective shows how important fans, closeness, passion and community are for football in Europe.