Leander Wiegand’s journey in the IPP Program – A big step towards the NFL
Felix Pahl
© Roland JohannesLeander Wiegand, a dominant offensive lineman in the European League of Football, is now taking on his biggest challenge yet — the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) Program. After playing for the Cologne Centurions, Rhein Fire, and Munich Ravens over the past three seasons, Wiegand has earned recognition as a top player in Europe. He was named a 1st Team All-Star in 2023 and a 2nd Team All-Star in 2024. Now, he has the opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stage.
A life-changing phone call
Wiegand found out about his IPP selection while he was at university. "I got a call from Dom, but I missed it at first. So, I left my lecture to call him back, and that’s when he told me the news. It was an incredible moment of happiness because I’ve worked for this opportunity for so many years. It’s something really special, especially being able to share it with my loved ones."
Representing Germany and Europe
For Wiegand, being part of the IPP is more than just a personal achievement — it’s a chance to represent German and European football. "It means a lot to me to represent Germany and Europe. I’m really proud of that. I want to show how good German and European football is. But it’s not just about talent — I also want to represent my country with discipline and work ethic. Being on time, making a strong impression, and always giving my best are things I take very seriously."
A grueling daily routine
The IPP Program is intense, with long days filled with training, meetings, and preparation. "We wake up early and start with meetings after breakfast. Then we have speed drills, working on things like the 40-yard dash and change-of-direction drills. After that, we hit the gym — twice a week for upper body and twice for lower body. After lunch and a short break, we go for treatments, followed by football practice. The day ends with more meetings, dinner, and sometimes even extra film study."
The hardest part, according to Wiegand, is maintaining a high level of focus every single day. "The days are long, and you have to keep your standards high. It’s easy to fall into a routine, but I make sure I stay motivated and treat every session like it’s the most important one. I also have my own extra routine at night, watching more film, doing core workouts, or stretching to keep my ankles strong. I want to be at my best after these 10 weeks so I can take the next step."
Goals for the Pro Day
Wiegand is focused on improving all of his physical performance numbers before the IPP Pro Day. "I want to get better in every category. I have goals written on my mirror—like benching over 100 kg more than 40 times, running the L-Drill in under 7.4 seconds, jumping over 33.5 inches in the vertical, and getting over 9.1 feet in the broad jump. I want to improve in everything."
Learning from the best
When it comes to role models, Wiegand looks up to all European players who have made it to the NFL. "It’s really tough to make it from Europe to the NFL, so I respect every player who has done it. But if I had to pick one player to study, it would be Chris Lindstrom from the Atlanta Falcons. In my opinion, he’s the best right guard in the NFL, and his technique is incredible."
Handling the pressure
With only a few spots available, competition in the IPP Program is intense. However, Wiegand stays focused on himself. "Of course, I know that not many players make it. And now, it’s even harder because there are no guaranteed IPP roster spots anymore. You’re competing with everyone in the world. The higher you go, the higher the pressure gets. But I don’t let that get to me because I know what I can do. I believe I belong in the NFL, and that’s enough for me. I just focus on myself and do my thing."
He also has a positive mindset when it comes to competition. "I was talking to Lenny Krieg, the German kicker, and he made all of his kicks. Some people might think that’s bad for me because if he gets picked, maybe my chances go down. But I don’t see it that way. If I’m good enough for the NFL, I’ll make it—simple as that. Of course, you need a little luck, but I try not to think too much about others. I just focus on my own journey."
Eyes on the future
Leander Wiegand has already proven himself as one of the best offensive linemen in Europe. Now, he is fully focused on making the most of this opportunity in the IPP Program. With his talent, work ethic, and mindset, he is determined to take the next step toward his NFL dream.