Germany’s Munich Cowboys sign one of GFL’s top DBs, Jacob Adelman

The Munich Cowboys in the German Football League have beefed up their defensive secondary in signing safety Jacob “Jake” Adelman who played for the Hildesheim Invaders in 2017.

The 6’2″, 205 lb, 24 year old native of Bakersfield, California was the leading tackler for Hildesheim in 2017 recording 81 tackles while also snagging five interceptions, good for fifth in the GFL. He 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.

American Football International asked Adelman about the move to Munich and football in Europe.

American Football International:  You are returning to Germany but with the Munich Cowboys. Why the switch?

Jake Adelman: As I return to Germany for my second year, I chose to switch to the Munich Cowboys for a couple of different reasons. One reason being Coach Holley. After the first time we spoke I could see the plan he had in mind for 2018 and what he wanted to accomplish. Winning is the most important thing and having pride in what we do. I felt like the defense fits my style of play, and it made my decision a little easier having the opportunity to play with Ryan Newell, who has been one of the best LB’s in the GFL for many years now. The rich history behind the Munich Cowboys was another reason for me signing. As one of the oldest teams in the GFL, I just couldn’t pass up an opportunity to play for a city and a team like this. All I want to do is win, and I feel like the Cowboys were my best chance of doing that.

AFI: You led the Invaders in tackles and you were 5th in Germany in interceptions. Were you happy with your performance?

Adelman:  In 2017 I was happy with my performance but certainly not satisfied. It was an accomplishment to lead the Invaders in multiple categories, but the most important thing to me is winning. Finishing as the top safety for the GFL North was one of my goals that I was very happy about accomplishing, but for 2018 my goal is to be the number 1 ranked safety in the entire GFL. Most importantly my goal is to help the Munich Cowboys make a playoff run.

AFI:  What was the highlight of the season last year?

Adelman: The highlight of my season last year was just having the opportunity to play in general. In my 18 year long career of playing football, I can count on one hand how many games I have missed in my entire career, which isn’t very many. In the first game of the 2017 GFL 1 season I tore my meniscus in my right knee and underwent minor knee surgery. Having only missed one game in 2017, I was back on the field exactly 12 days later against Dresden. It was just a blessing to recover that fast and still be able to play at a high level that early after surgery. I thank God for allowing me to return so fast and still have a dominating season from a personal standpoint.

AFI: This will be your third year in Europe. How much longer do you think you will play?

Adelman:  It’s crazy to think this is already my third year in Europe, but I can’t get enough of it. Europe is great, and the GFL 1 is the best competition you will get in all of Europe. I’m 25 right now, but I still have at least 5 more football seasons left in me. Personally I feel great and I’m glad to be back at 100 percent for this next season.

AFI: Did you get much chance to travel and if so to what countries?

Adelman: In 2017, I did get to travel a bit. I saw a lot of different places in Germany, but the other country I got to visit was the Netherlands. It was a very nice country and Amsterdam was a very cool experience.

AFI:  What are you expecting for the upcoming season?

Adelman:  In the 2018 season I am expecting to have a very good year personally and team wise. The offseason moves by the Munich coaching staff has me very excited to get their and get to work. I think this is the year we make a playoff run and turn things around for the Cowboys. I am expecting a fired up Munich Cowboys team that has a lot of pride in being a winning program.

AFI: What do you think you bring to the Cowboys?

Adelman: There are many qualities that I will bring to the Munich Cowboys team. I’ll bring determination, attitude, physicality, toughness, leadership, and most importantly heart. I have a lot of pride in being a defensive player, and it all starts with the mindset you have as a defender. As a defensive guy, playing mean and physical is what I know best. I like to set the tone for our defense and I cant wait to get to Munich and start the 2018 journey. Go Cowboys!

Jacob Adelman’s highlights from 2017

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