Patrick Griesheimer is a towering figure in American football whose impressive career as a player and coach has made him one of the most respected names in the German football scene. His passion for the sport began early, and over the years he has proven himself as an offensive lineman at the highest level while also building a remarkable career as a coach.
Patrick's football journey began in 1991, when he began his career with the Groß-Gerau Gators in the association league. From there he continued on his way and played for the Darmstadt Diamonds youth team in 1992. It took a while before his teammates realized that he and his younger brother Michael did not come from Darmstadt Griesheim, but that was what they were called. Since then, Patrick and Michael have had bitter fights, whether in training or as opponents on the field, as Michael played on the defensive line. From 1995 to 1996 he played for the Darmstadt Diamonds men's team in the 2nd Bundesliga. From 1997 to 1998 he moved up to the Hanau Hawks in the first division. He also won the Federation Cup with them in 1998. In 1999 he moved to the Aschaffenburg Stallions , and in 2000 to the north of Germany to the Hamburg Blue Devils , both GFL , which are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year. In 2001 he remained loyal to the GFL but then returned home and entered the gridiron for the Rüsselsheim Razorbacks until 2003. In 2004 he moved to the Wiesbaden Phantoms in the GFL 2, where he also ended his impressive career as an active player in 2005.
His time in the German national team , for which he played from 1998 to 2005, was particularly formative. During this time he celebrated numerous successes, including winning the European Championship in 2001, bronze at the World Championship and the gold medal at the 2005 World Games. His outstanding performances also brought him personal international recognition when he was voted into the tournament's 1st All-Europe team in 2005 after achieving the European Championship runner-up title.
Parallel to his playing career, Patrick began early on to pass on his knowledge and experience as a trainer. In 2003 he took on his first coaching positions as head coach and offensive coordinator for the Rüsselsheim Razorbacks youth team, as well as the position of offensive line coach for the Hesse youth selection . His next stops were with the Wiesbaden Phantoms from 2004 to 2007, as offensive coordinator, first for the youth team and then for the men in the GFL 2. During this time he lectured for the AFVH at the C-trainer course and was offensive line coach for the German youth national team from 2005 to 2006. This team included well-known players such as Björn Werner and Kasim Edebali and of course Lars and Nils Hampel.
In 2008 and 2009 he also arrived as a coach in the GFL when he took over the position of Offensive Coordinator with the Marburg Mercenaries .
He returned there for a year in 2018, while in the meantime he directed the offensive of the Wiesbaden Phantoms and the Frankfurt Universe from 2010 to 2017. In Wiesbaden he also served as head coach from 2014 to 2017. In 2019 and 2020 he returned to Frankfurt in the GFL as offensive coordinator of the Universe.
The next step and particularly noteworthy is his involvement with the Frankfurt Galaxy in the European League of Football ( ELF ). As Offensive Coordinator, he contributed significantly to the team's success and played a crucial role in winning the ELF championship in 2021 and reaching the semi-finals in the 2023 season.
As such a successful player and coach, it is natural to be interviewed as a guest on podcasts. Some examples of this can be found at Intersport Begro , RedzoneTV or Galaxy Purple Lounge .
Away from the football field, Patrick is a loving family man and successful speech therapist with his own practice . His son Mathis is already following in his footsteps and plays in the youth team of the Wiesbaden Phantoms , where he is causing a sensation as a linebacker.
Overall, Patrick Griesheimer is not only an outstanding player and coach in American football, but also an inspiring personality who has significantly shaped the football community in Germany with his commitment and dedication. His influence will extend long after his active time on the field and on the sidelines and will inspire generations of players and coaches.
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