After a couple of days in Slovenia, we have been talking to Silverhawks’ first import player, Jason Kramer. Jason has shared with us his first impressions about the team, Ljubljana and his expectations.
Is this your first football season outside USA? Why have you decided to take this path of playing football abroad?
Jason Kramer: Yes, this is my first season outside the USA. I love the game of football, and have always had dreams of being a professional. Also I have always wanted to travel and see more of the world then just America. The opportunity I have here has helped me to achieve both of my dreams. It is like the best of both worlds.
What are your first impressions about the team? How do you feel training with the Silverhawks?
Jason Kramer: At the very first practice I could feel the passion everyone had for the game. Not just a passion to play, but the passion to get better every day. It is such a fun experience to be part of a team that is working so hard every day to get better and better.
Now it has been a couple of months that you have not trained with any team. How are you prepared physically? How have you trained to prepare for the season with Silverhawks?
Jason Kramer: Physically I feel great. I have been doing lots of speed and agility work back home, as well as strength work to make sure that I am in the best shape to perform at a top notch level. I knew I was going to be playing more inside linebacker on this team than anything else so I tried to bulk up a little bit and put on some more weight to have a little more weight to take on linemen and hold my own.
What are your first impressions of Slovenia and Ljubljana?
Jason Kramer: Beautiful. Everywhere I look is beauty. Some guys have shown me around town and I am blown away. The architecture is amazing. I went up to the castle and it was one of the most interesting and exciting places I have been in my life. I am a huge history fan so to see things that have such old stories to tell is amazing.
What is the one thing you will probably miss from Wisconsin and from your home?
Jason Kramer: My family. I love my family, we are all very close. It was very hard to leave them. I wish they could be here to experience the country and culture with me.
Do you have a message for Silverhawks fans?
Jason Kramer: To all the Silverhawks fans, I can’t wait to see you at the games. We have a great team this year and I am excited for you to see the team work towards a championship this year. If you see me around town don’t hesitate to stop me and chat or if you have any questions for me I would love to answer them. I look forward to meeting many of you as the year goes on.