Swedish Championship QB Anders Hermodsson Signs With Stockholm Mean Machines

Sweden’s Stockholm Mean Machines, winners of 10 Swedish titles, the last one in 2009, have signed arguably one of the best quarterbacks in Europe, Anders Hermodsson, for the 2017 season.

Hermodsson, 6’5″, 250 lb, won four straight Swedish titles (2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015) with the Carlstad Crusaders before playing in Italy with the Lazio Marines in 2016. A native of Stockholm, Hermodsson initially played for Stockholm’s STU Northside Bulls before moving to Karlstad in 2012. In 2014, he led the Crusaders to an undefeated season and in 2015 won not only the Swedish title with Carlstad but also the IFAF Europe Champions League crown. Hermodsson is also a Swedish national team quarterback.

The Mean Machines have struggled since winning that last title in 2009 so signing Hermodsson is a sign that the club intends to turn things around.

American Football International asked Anders how it felt to be back in Sweden and Stockholm.

American Football International: You have returned to Sweden after a season in Italy. Why did you sign with Stockholm?

Anders Hermodsson: I signed with the Stockholm Mean Machines because they represented the best situation for where I am at in my career and life. I think we have a great opportunity to build something special and really challenge the rest of the teams in the League. Coach Fredrik Pilbäck has done a great job of rebuilding this club.

AFI: Did you have offers from teams on the continent?

Hermodsson: I have been in contact with several teams throughout Europe and there were definitely some interesting and viable opportunities out there if my personal situation was different.

AFI: What did you learn playing in Italy?

Hermodsson: Playing and living in Italy was definitely an experience of a lifetime and I would recommend to anyone looking to play in Europe. The standard of the league and its organization was great.

AFI: What did you enjoy about Italy and what foods did you like?

Hermodsson: The country itself is amazing. The culture, food and the people made it a unforgettable experience! I have to thank the Lazio Marines organisation for giving me the opportunity to live in Rome and play for them. Living in Italy gave me the chance to really learn about their culture and eat an extreme amount of food. I really fell in love with all there different kinds of Panini’s, they really know how to make them.

AFI: Would you consider playing in other countries such as Brazil after the Swedish season?

Hermodsson: I am always open to new opportunities in life and playing/living in a country like Brazil would be great!

AFI:  You will be competing against the Carlstad Crusaders a team which you helped to win four titles. How does that feel?

Hermodsson: Playing against Carlstad will be fun. My time there has really meant a lot to me. It made me the person and player I am today so its a period of my life that I will always cherish. Playing against them will be exciting and I love competing against the best, which they have really proven to be. They have such great team and a top notch organisation.

AFI: How many more years do you think you will play?

Hermodsson: I have no idea how long I will continue playing this fantastic sport but I figure that I will play as long as the joy and the love of the game is still there.

AFI: Have you thought about coaching?

Hermodsson: It will be tough leaving football behind so maybe I’ll try to keep in my life by starting to coach after I am done playing.