John Uribe Re-Signs As QB For Serbia’s SBB Vukovi Belgrade

AFI | American Football | 11/19/2016

SBB Vukovi Belgrade from Serbia have re-signed quarterback John Uribe for the 2017 season after he took them to the Serbian final and was named most outstanding quarterback in the league in 2016.

Vukovi has definitely made a mark in American football in Europe in recent years. Belgrade has won the Serbian championship six times (2005, 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014) and reached the IFAF Europe final twice.

So the re-signing of the 6’1″, 210 lb native of Santa Barbara, California seems to be a sign that the club wants to regain the title that eluded them in 2015 and 2016.

AFI chatted with Uribe about his signing and his thoughts on playing in Europe.

American Football International: What made you decide to return to Vukovi?

John Uribe: The main reason I am returning to Vukovi is to win championships. Last season we came up short in both championships games, I think that this up coming season we will have a great opportunity to return to and become champions this time around.

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.

AFI: What were your thoughts on your 2016 season?

Uribe: Last season was great finishing with a 12-3 record, but the main goal is to win championships and we didn’t capitalize on our opportunities so I believe that overshadows our season because that is the team’s ultimate goal.

AFI: Did you consider offers from other clubs?

Uribe: Yes, I have considered offers from other clubs, I’ve been contacted by many teams. It’s tough making a decision sometimes, but it’s important to make the right decision for yourself and where you will have the best opportunity to showcase your talents.

AFI: Did you get a chance to do some traveling and if so where?

Uribe: I got to do quite a bit of traveling while overseas. We played games in Budapest, Hungary as well as Graz, Austria. And after season I was able to travel all throughout Italy and spent some time on the Croatian coast.

AFI: What has become your favorite food in Serbia?

Uribe: All the food in Serbia was very good. The main meals consist of many different types of meats with veggies or french fries. Everything is fresh and cooked well. My favorite dish was “Shopska” a type of salad with tomatoes and cucumbers.

AFI: Did you learn much Serbian?

Uribe: The Serbian language is difficult to learn, but I was able to learn a lot of the basics to help me communicate with people when out in public. Majority of the people speak English so communication was easier than I expected. Lastly I would like to say that Belgrade is a beautiful big city and I really enjoyed my time there, and I am looking forward to the 2017 season.

Interested in playing American football in overseas?

Europlayers is the largest online database of American football players, teams and coaches. It is a connector, bringing together and introducing athletes to overseas teams. On the site you can begin researching teams around the world. Once you create a profile, you become searchable by hundreds of American football clubs around the world.