The Traun Steelsharks who play in the Austrian Football League, have signed veteran quarterback John Uribefor the 2018 season.
Uribe spent the 2017 season with the Hamburg Huskies leading them on a four-game winning streak to end the season, helping them stay in the German Football League. He posted 2,300 pass yards while throwing 21 touchdown passes. In 2016, Uribe quarterbacked SBBVukovi Belgrade to the Serbian title game and was named most outstanding quarterback in the league in 2016. He threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 59 touchdowns in 15 games.
In his final year at Lindenwood University (NCAA Div. II) , he threw for 2,200 Yards and 19 touchdowns in 10 games.
The 6’1″, 210 lb, 27 year old native of Santa Barbara, California, started his college career at Santa Barbara City College where as a sophomore he was named conference MVP , named to the all-state team, team MVP and Santa Barbara Athlete of the Year . He threw for 2,554 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2010, completing 182-of-291 passes, averaging 255.40 yards a game, and had just seven interceptions.
The Steelsharks suffered through a dismal 1-9 season in 2017, their first in the Austrian Football League and are definitely looking to improve.
American Football International asked John about his move and on playing in Europe.
AFI: Why the move to Austria?
Uribe: Traun gave a great offer . Austria is a great country and the level of competition in the AFL is very good. I’m excited to be part of a new team and bring my talents to help Traun become a top team in the AFL.
AFI: How do you think football in Europe has developed since you arrived?
Uribe: The development has came along a lot more European players and coaches understand the game much better and I’ve noticed that everyone coaches and players just want to become better at their job.
AFI: Have you had a chance to travel much in Europe?
Uribe: I’ve done a lot of traveling I’ve been to Italy, Montenegro, Croatia, and Spain it’s a blessing to be able to travel the world and experience different cultures.
AFI: How had you heard about playing in Europe in the first place last year?
Uribe: 2016 was my first season playing overseas. A friend of mine was playing in Spain and we spoke about the Europlayers website and I made a profile. Since then I’ve been in contact with many teams around the world.
Check out John Uribe’s 2017 highlights with the Hamburg Huskies
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