Potsdam Royals bolster offensive line with signing of Canadian lineman Josh Rietveld

The Potsdam Royals are strengthening their offensive line for the 2026 German Football League season by signing massive Canadian offensive lineman Josh Rietveld. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 323 pounds, the native of Brantford, Ontario, brings not only impressive physicality but also a winning mentality to the Royals.

Successful college career in Canada
Rietveld comes to Potsdam after a standout career with the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, where he played from 2020 to 2025. During his time at Laurier, he developed into one of the top linemen in Canadian college football. His crowning achievement came in the 2024 season when he helped lead his team to victory in both the Yates Cup and the Uteck Bowl. Additionally, Rietveld was named to the Second Team All-Canadian twice, highlighting his consistent performance on the field.

New step into Europe
For Rietveld, this move to the Potsdam Royals marks his first step into European football and presents a new sporting challenge. He expressed excitement about the opportunity, stating, “I had very good talks with the coach and see the chance to discover the world here.” Having played Canadian football, Rietveld’s unique background could bring fresh perspectives and strategies to the Royals’ game.

Team player with clear goals
As he prepares for the upcoming season, Rietveld has clear objectives. He emphasizes the importance of teamwork, saying, “I want to have fun, be a good teammate and win games together.” This attitude aligns perfectly with the culture of the Potsdam Royals, who have long been known for their team spirit and commitment to success.

With Josh Rietveld joining the roster, the Royals are adding a physically dominant lineman with a wealth of experience and a strong desire to integrate into their ambitious program.