Austrian running back Sandro Platzgummer was allocated to the New York Giants’ practice squad in late April as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program and he’s intent on making the most of the opportunity.
The one issue facing Platzgummer is his size (6-foot, 198 pounds), but as a student of the game, he knows other smallish running backs have managed to excel at the NFL level.
“I admit I am really excited and I know it’s a huge challenge, but I’m not intimidated. There’s guys in the NFL my size. I get inspiration from Christian McCaffrey (5-foot-11, 205 pounds) who is no bigger than I am. I am looking forward to it,” Platzgummer told American Football International.
The 23-year-old Platzgummer was one of 33 players invited to the NFL International Pathway combine in Cologne, Germany and was then selected to advance before being sent to the IMG Academy in Florida. Shortly thereafter, the NFC East was chosen to receive International Pathway players and the Giants were quick to select Platzgummer.
“I had just uploaded my highlights last summer when James Cook from NFL International called. He had seen them and they were looking for players for the combine. So six weeks before the combine I was told to get ready,” Platzgummer said.
“I was fairly happy with my performance apart from the catching which was hampered by my shoulder.”
Platzgummer, who ran a 4.5 40-yard dash at the combine and posted a 39″ vertical, was contacted by Giants running back coach Burton Burns and welcomed with open arms.
“That was pretty special. He told me I was the final piece of the puzzle,” Platzgummer.
If nothing else, Platzgummer will certainly learn a lot with the Giants. He’ll also get to play alongside Saquon Barkley.
“Running back Saquon Barkley is who I admire the most with everything he has accomplished so far,” Platzgummer added.
