This week the Munich Cowboys will begin their 2017 German Football League season with a new face behind center.
Back in February, the Cowboys announced the signing of quarterback Benjamin Wilkerson as the club’s new signal caller for 2017. The 23-year-old American has experience in Germany spending last season with the Franken Knights in the GFL2.
Stateside, Wilkerson played at Alfred State College, Morrisville State College, and Erie Community College. He took his first steps towards an American football career at the Fayette-Ware High School in Somerville, Tennesse.
“We are delighted to have a ‘dual threat’ quarterback in the team with Ben, who perfectly meets the requirements profile. He will strengthen the team very well. As a player and a human being, he is a worker who has always struggled for success and deserved it. This is the mentality we need for the upcoming season,” said Munich Cowboys president Werner L. Maier.
American Football International caught up with Wilkerson this week ahead up the Cowboys season opener against the Saarland Hurricanes on April 22.
American Football International: How did you come to sign with the Cowboys?
Ben Wilkerson: After my season with the Franken Knights I talked with a lot of different teams. I was looking to play GFL1 to measure myself against some of the best in Europe. After talking with head coach Garren Holley and offensive coordinator Spencer Wood our goals were similar and I felt at home as a Cowboy.
AFI: What do you think you bring to the Cowboys?
Wilkerson: I bring a hardworking mentality, capability to help develop talent, and dual-threat talent to the Cowboys.
AFI: What makes competing in the GFL1 so special?
Wilkerson: When I first started learning about football overseas I heard that GFL1 was the best of the best. I made it a goal to perform at the top level in Germany.
AFI: What are your goals for 2017 with the Munich Cowboys?
Wilkerson: Our goals for 2017 are simple, Earn It. We have to earn success in 2017 because no games are going to be given to us this season. Our mentality is to earn our respect each week to earn a spot to play in late September.
Ben Wilkerson (foreground) at the Munich Cowboys pre-season pre-conference.
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