One of the most experienced players of the Vukovi, Zoran Damjanović, plans to retire from playing American football after the SELAF final game, which his team will play against the Kragujevac Wild Boars on the 8th of October in Belgrade.
Since he switched to defense, before the start of SAFS League in 2004, Damjanović was the Vukovi’s leader on defense, and now, with 25 years of age, he will let others step in. He’s a bit tires, at least that’s what he says.
And it’s not a surprise, considering that besides personal problems, he’s been dealing with a shoulder injury all year long. “I just want for us to finish the season in the best way possible, and to put an end on my playing career.”
When it comes to American football in Serbia, he’s a veteran, who played every official game for the Vukovi, and who also played in Serbia’s national team first game against Slovenia. But, the streak is about to end, as he will play his last game on FK Radnički stadium, very close to the field he and the Vukovi debuted on.
“It’s going to be an exciting match, I believe in our win. The defense showed in our last match it can be very good, and I believe it will be like that on Sunday. If only our young quarterback would get going and I would leave the field with no regrets.”
“I’ll polish my helmet and put it in the showcase”, he says with a smile.
In 2006 he recorded 20 tackles and one interception.
“I’m not sure about my plans when it comes to football and the Vukovi. A lot of players see me as a defensive coach already, I love defense and I love football, but I’ll have to think it through with myself and my coach, but you can be sure I won’t unretire after a few days.”