Jacob Adelman moves from Sweden to Germany’s Hildesheim Invaders
The Hildesheim Invaders in the German Football League significantly shored up their defensive secondary when they signed safety Jacob Adelman earlier this year.
The 6’2″, 205 lb, 24 year old native of Bakersfield, California spent the 2016 season with Sweden’s Uppsala 86ers, helping the team reach the Swedish final for the first time in 19 years. He enjoyed a superb season with Uppsala recording 50 tackles in 10 games along with six interceptions and two touchdowns. He was one of the best kick returners in the Swedish Superserien last year with almost 1,000 yards in returns.
Adelman spent two years at Friends University in Kansas and attracted interest from the Houstan Texans attending minicamp with the NFL squad in 2016.
The Invaders finished their inaugural season in the German Football League with a 5-9 record ending out of the playoffs in fifth spot in the tough North division.
American Football International asked Jacob about his move to Germany and the Invaders and his experience so far in Europe.
American Football International: You played in Sweden in 2016 with Uppsala and made it to the final. What made you switch teams?
Jacob Adelman: I was very tempted to come back to Uppsala to finish what we started, but personally I want to compete with the best in Europe. From my understanding the GFL was the place to compete with the best.
AFI: How did find out about playing in Europe in the first place and why Uppsala?
Adelman: I played in a Division 1 all star game in Bedford, Texas. It was called the CGS (College Gridiron Showcase) and that’s where I met Tom Cudney who was a coach helping the all star game out. He reached out to me after my NFL combine and asked if I was available so I took the opportunity.
AFI: What was the highlight of the season last year?
Adelman: The highlight of the season was making it to the championship game. It had been 19 years since Uppsala made it to the championship game and we did just that.
AFI: Did you get much chance to travel and if so to what countries?
Adelman: Yes I got to travel and visit Poland. I went to the concentration camps there because I am part Jewish, and I also visited the salt mines their.
AFI: Do you have a favorite food from Europe yet?
Adelman: My “New” favorite food since being in Germany is called a Chicken Doner Kabob I believe. I love it.
AFI: What are you expecting for the upcoming season?
Adelman: I expect a lot of success from my new team this year. We have made some drastic upgrades on the defense, which was one of the main problems we had last year. Offensively we have great weapons who are led by our American QB [Zach Cavanaugh]and RB[Phillip Gamble]. It would be very surprising to me not to make a playoff appearance this year.
AFI: What do you think you bring to the Invaders?
Adelman: I bring intensity, determination, physicality, hard work, and most importantly attitude to our defense. I believe I can be the spark that is needed on defense in order to help achieve our goals this year. Attitude is everything on the football field.
Check out Jacob Adelman’s highlights from 2016 with the Uppsala 86ers
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