Felix Lepper is facing what is definitely the biggest opportunity of his life. The 23-year-old, who actually only got into American football because he was looking for a sport to lose weight after graduating from high school, has serious hopes for the NFL.
As one of 13 talents worldwide, Lepper was selected for the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program (IPP program), which aims to prepare the most talented players from all continents for the jump into the best football league in the world.
After stints with the Berlin Thunder, the Leipzig Kings and most recently the Hamburg Sea Devils in the European League of Football, the 2.06 meter tall, 150 kilogram offensive lineman, who protects the quarterback as a left tackle, wants to make the leap into big US business.
“I was overwhelmed all day”
Im SPORT1In the interview, the likeable Hesse talks about the “unique opportunity that now just has to be taken advantage of,” his studies as a plan B, which he is currently putting on hold, and his first experiences with sport in general – even if Lepper wouldn’t describe them as “sport” today.
SPORT1: Congratulations, Mr. Lepper, how are you? Being accepted into the IPP program by the NFL as one of the world’s 13 most promising talents doesn’t sound so bad, does it?
Felix Lepper (laughs): That’s exactly how it is. Especially when you hear it said out loud or see how the day of the announcement unfolded. Of course, I had known about it for a while. I got the call at the beginning of November saying, ‘Congratulations.’ Of course I was completely overwhelmed the whole day. But that’s no comparison to what’s going on in the media right now, with all the attention. This is really overwhelming.
SPORT1: There are countless well-wishers on social media, including Björn Werner and quite a few football celebrities. They know each other from their time at the Berlin Thunder, among other things. Did he contact you personally?
Lips: Yes, I’m actually always in good contact with Björn, especially because of my time in Berlin and the beginnings. In 2020 I attended a camp run by Gridiron Imports (organization that helps international football players get high school and college scholarships in the USA, Anm. d. Red.) took part from him and that’s how I came to the Military Academy in Fork Union. Since then there has always been contact.
Lepper: From Germany to the NFL?
SPORT1: In January you’ll be off to Florida for the training camp. How can you imagine that – and what do your travel plans look like?
Lips: Exactly, on January 17th the plane leaves for Florida. Until then, I’ll still be in Germany and spend time with my friends and family. Then the ten-week camp starts straight away until March 31st. We will have various meetings and of course a lot of training on and off the field. We are told what life is like in the NFL. Of course, it’s also about learning moves and understanding the game. The whole thing culminates at the end with a Pro Day, where coaches and scouts from NFL teams come by and take a look at us. And then I’ll go home again. Ideally, I’ll get a call in April (grins).
SPORT1: Are you flying alone or are you accompanying friends or family?
Lips: Alone for the first time. And if it works, my girlfriend will come to visit.
SPORT1: Since the introduction of the IPP program in 2017, the concept has steadily become more relevant. A total of 70 international players have signed NFL contracts since then. There are currently 22 IPP players on NFL squads, eleven were already on the active matchday squad. And the reputation of the IPP program has also increased among coaches and scouts. How do you perceive that?
Lips: Yes, I believe that too. Especially when you look at how many people from Germany alone made it into the NFL via the IPP. Starting with Jakob Johnson, then David Bada, Chris Ezeala, Max Pircher, Leander Wiegand and Lenny Krieg, Marcel Dabo… the list doesn’t stop, and those were just the German-speaking ones in the last few years. We were also told in October at the Combine in England (NFL viewing camp from October 9th to 12th, editor’s note) that the IPP was getting more and more attention and more and more respect within the NFL. This is simply a unique opportunity that now just needs to be taken advantage of.
Lepper: Jakob Johnson as a role model
SPORT1: Do you have any role models regarding your path to the NFL from Germany or in particular via the IPP program?
Lips: Definitely Jacob Johnson. He is a great role model because he was the first German and hit like a bomb. How long he’s been there now… And no matter who reports about him, you only hear and see good things. Leander Wiegand and Max Pircher are of course also strong role models for me.
SPORT1: Jordan Mailata could also come from the IPP program. He originally came from Australia from rugby and is now not only one of the best players in his position, but also a Super Bowl champion.
Lips (laughs): Yes! But of course. I’ve been traveling a bit in the German cosmos, but definitely. Jordan Mailata is the international figurehead for this program. Especially in my position as an offensive lineman. The goal is to become the next Mailata.
SPORT1: In which areas of the game are there the greatest differences between the ELF, where you have been active in recent years, and the NFL? Are there certain aspects in which you particularly want – and need – to develop further?
Lips: The speed of play and the versatility in terms of plays and playbook, for example, are the biggest differences in my opinion. Everything just happens much faster. That’s what you see immediately – and what I also get as feedback when I talk to Max (Pircher) or Leander (Wiegand). That’s awesome.
Lepper has a plan B
SPORT1: Of course, we wish you the best from a German perspective. But if all else fails. Do you have a plan B?
Lips: Yes, I’m still studying to be a teacher, in sports and geography. Plan B is there, but it is currently completely ignored (laughs).
SPORT1: The hot phase of the current NFL season is just starting. Do you have a team you’re rooting for?
Lips: I don’t necessarily have a single team that I’m rooting for. I don’t really have a favorite team. I just keep my fingers crossed for all the German boys, especially Jakob (Johnson), who has had a real run with the Texans in the last few weeks.
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SPORT1: How did you first come into contact with American football?
Lips: When the German broadcast started, I tuned in every now and then. I saw a game at night and had absolutely no idea what was going on, but it sure looked cool. At the time, when I had just graduated from high school, I was simply looking for a sport that would help me lose weight. Then I somehow got into football and started there and it was a lot of fun. And then the ambition came along and I never stopped.
SPORT1: Did you do other sports before?
Lips: Not really. Football was my first big thing. I used to drive karts and I still enjoy watching motorsports today. But if we’re being completely honest: at that level for me it was just motor – and nothing to do with sport (laughs)
SPORT1: Given your height, well over two meters, you probably can’t get into a kart that relaxed, right?
Lips: It wasn’t that bad at the time. The growth spurts only came during high school and afterwards.
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SPORT1: How are you physically currently? At the beginning of the ELF season you suffered a ruptured syndesmosis in your ankle.
Lips: Yes, unfortunately in the third game of the season. At the time it was absolutely devastating. Luckily, right around the time I was in the hospital, I got word from the NFL scout that I was on their radar. And that if I’m fit again in time, I can come to the combine. That was an immense incentive. It was definitely enough for the Combine and now I’m back to 100 percent. There are no longer any concerns.
SPORT1: How do you assess the chances? The dream goal would of course be to be drafted. But even apart from that, the chances are actually quite good, especially because the league promotes IPP and gives IPP players an additional place in the practice squads of NFL teams. Or how do you see it?
Lips (laughs): I would sign it exactly like that.
