"Best version of myself" – Bastian Roppelt’s IPP program journey

Bastian Roppelt is one of the talented athletes representing Germany in the prestigious NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPP). After a strong tryout in Dublin just before Christmas, he received a life-changing phone call from the coach, confirming his invitation to the program. "At first, I was overjoyed and couldn’t believe it," Roppelt recalls. "But pretty quickly, my focus shifted to preparing as best as possible for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."  

Proud to represent Germany and Europe  

For Roppelt, being part of the IPP Program is more than just an opportunity — it’s an honor. Alongside fellow German athletes Lenny Krieg and Leander Wiegand, he takes great pride in representing his country on this international stage. "As a group, we are very proud and ambitious to prove our talent," he says.  

A structured routine for success  

Specialists like Roppelt follow a highly structured daily routine to maximize their performance. Every day consists of sessions on the field and strength training in the gym. "This routine helps us deliver our best every day and stay in rhythm," he explains. Even though punters are not typically judged by their strength numbers, Roppelt has set himself a personal goal: "I want to reach 15 reps on the bench press. It might not be crucial for a punter, but it’s a way for me to push myself beyond just our kicking sessions."  

Learning from the best  

When it comes to role models, Roppelt chooses to focus on himself and refining his own skills. However, he does take inspiration from successful punters in the NFL. "Players like AJ Cole and Dan Whelan motivate me because they are built similarly to me, both physically and athletically," he says.  

Handling the pressure  

The road to the NFL is incredibly competitive, with only a few international players making the final cut. However, Roppelt remains unfazed by the pressure. "My mindset is always the same, whether I’m training in Frankfurt or here at the IPP," he says. "For me, it’s about getting the best out of myself and improving every single day so that I can become the best version of myself."  

With his dedication, strong work ethic, and relentless pursuit of improvement, Bastian Roppelt is making the most of his opportunity in the IPP Program. Whether he makes it to the NFL or not, one thing is clear — he is giving everything to reach his full potential.

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