Rookie Justus Seelig shines in Madrid

20-year-old Justus Seelig of the Madrid Bravos is one of the frontrunners in the race for ELF Rookie of the Year – and he’s proving exactly why every time he steps on the field. "Help our team drive, score, and win," Seelig says. "The goals haven’t changed compared to the beginning of the season." Humble words, but the numbers speak for themselves.

Dual threat weapon 

The German E-import may be listed as a running back, but Seelig is far more than just a ball carrier. He has become a true dual threat, making plays both on the ground and through the air. Due to an injury, Seelig has played in only six of the Bravos’ ten games so – the first four weeks and Game Weeks 10 and 11.

In just six games, he has recovered 332 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns, adding 478 receiving yards and five more scores – elite numbers by any standard. With a catch rate of over 85 percent, he’s proven just how quickly he has adapted to the ELF’s level of play.

His most recent performance against the Raiders Tirol was nothing short of dominant: 8 catches for 89 yards, two touchdowns, and a two-point conversion. "If our team continues to play like this, we’ll be in a pretty good spot," Seelig said. "Our defense got the stops we needed, and the offense continuously drove down the field and scored," – a formula that could prove key in the playoff race.

Watch the Tirol Raiders at Madrid Bravo highlights here!

Seelig adds balance to the Bravos’ offense

With the playoffs approaching, the Madrid Bravos are heating up at the perfect time. They’ve won their last three games, and while the passing game – often centered around standout wide receiver Aron Cruickshank – has been a constant strength, the run game, with Seelig’s impact, is now starting to shine as well. His playing style is flexible, instinctive, and hard to pin down. "I’m a true slot back. I love to run the ball and make people miss, but I also need to catch the ball. I don’t need space – I create it by playing smart football and being shifty and elusive," he explains.

He attributes much of his development to his background: "My experience and coaching at the NFL Academy has provided me with skills that set me apart from average European players." He adds: "No player has truly influenced me nearly as much as the great coaches who helped me get where I am. They deserve all the credit."

Healthy again, focused on the finish

Now fully recovered from injury, Seelig has his eyes firmly set on helping Madrid secure a playoff spot. "The goal hasn’t changed: help our team drive, score and win," he said. "Obviously, I’m just happy to be back from injury and continue to make my case for ROTY [Rookie of the Year]. There’s great competition, but I continue to show what happens when I get to play a full game."

Watch the Hero Plays of Week 11 here!

Crunch time for the Bravos

The ELF is currently in a bye week, and Seelig is using it wisely to "recover and workout." But the break will be short – the Bravos will head to Munich next weekend. On Sunday, August 10, they will face the Munich Ravens, who are still unbeaten at home. "If we continue to play like we did and everybody does their job, we’ll have one hell of a game that I’m really excited for," Seelig adds.

The Bravos will close the regular season in a matchup against Frankfurt Galaxy. With these two crucial games ahead, the approach is simple for Seelig and his teammates: "Everybody being focused, doing their job, and giving max effort in everything we do."

Making the playoffs in his first ELF season would mean the world to him: "It would mean so much to help this team to a true playoff drive. The players, coaches, staff – and especially the owners – truly deserve the respect they’ve earned. The Bravos are a real family where everyone fights for each other."

Justus Seelig’s future looks bright – and this is just the beginning.

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