Former Arizona Cardinal TE Bernhard Seikovits signs with IBM Big Blue for remainder of X1 Premier season

After helping the Vienna Vikings during the 2026 AFLE season, Austrian tight end Bernhard Seikovits is headed to Japan after signing with IBM Big Blue for the remainder of the X X League Premier campaign.

New challenge in Japan

Seikovits announced the move through his Instagram Story, confirming he will join IBM Big Blue following the conclusion of the AFLE season. The club competes in the East Division of Japan’s X League Premier season and finished the spring portion of the schedule with a 2-1 record, good for sixth place in the 11-team standings.

The fall season begins on August 30 when IBM Big Blue opens against Fujitsu. Following 11 regular-season rounds, the league playoffs will conclude with the Japan X Bowl, also known as the Rice Bowl, on January 3, 2027.

Seikovits will also be joining two familiar names for fans of European football. Former Vienna Vikings receiver Reece Horn led IBM Big Blue in receiving during the spring season, while veteran linebacker AJ Wentland brings years of experience after starring for clubs in both Germany and Austria. Their presence should help ease Seikovits’ transition into Japanese football.

Strong return to Europe

Seikovits made an immediate impact after returning to the Vienna Vikings earlier this year following four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program.

The 28-year-old tight end appeared in the AFLE season as one of the league’s top offensive weapons, catching 24 passes for 305 yards and four touchdowns while providing veteran leadership for the Vikings offense.

Before leaving for the NFL, Seikovits had already established himself as one of Austria’s premier playmakers. A product of the Vienna Vikings youth program, he helped the club capture the 2017 Austrian title and later enjoyed a standout 2019 campaign before earning his NFL opportunity.

Another chapter begins

Now Seikovits adds another stop to an already unique football journey.

His combination of NFL experience, European success and versatility should give IBM Big Blue another proven weapon as the club prepares for the second half of the X1 Premier League season.

For Seikovits, the move represents another opportunity to compete at a high level while continuing one of the most accomplished international careers by an Austrian football player.