Aden Durde on Patrick Esume
Aden Durde won a Super Bowl ring in February as the defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks, bild.de reported.
The 47-year-old assistant coach became the first British-born coach to win an NFL title.
In a recent interview with bild.de, Durde discussed his playing days in Europe and his relationship with German football figure Patrick Esume.
Durde Played for Hamburg Sea Devils and Paris Flash
Durde played in Europe from 2005 to 2007, spending time with the Hamburg Sea Devils in Germany and later joining Paris Flash in France, bild.de reported.
“In the first two years, I always traveled back and forth,” Durde told bild.de. “During the season I was there. And in the last year, we stayed the whole year. That was a great experience. We lived on St. Pauli.”
During his stint in France, Durde played under Esume, who served as head coach of Paris Flash, according to bild.de.
“He was a great coach. He challenged you,” Durde told bild.de of Esume. “He knew you as a person and tried to accompany you on your way to becoming a man. I have great respect for Pat.”
Coaching Lessons from Esume
Durde told bild.de that his time working with Esume shaped his own coaching style in the NFL.
“I think the intensity,” Durde said regarding what he took from Esume, according to bild.de. “Details were important to him. He was always prepared. I respect that.”
Durde noted that coaching American football as a niche sport in Europe during those years required exceptional dedication and preparation from coaches like Esume, bild.de reported.
Reflecting on his journey from British football enthusiast to NFL coordinator, Durde told bild.de, “It has been an incredible journey.”
West Ham United and Niclas Fullkrug
Beyond his NFL career, Durde follows English soccer club West Ham United, bild.de reported.
When asked about the club’s current status and German national team player Niclas Fullkrug’s recent spell with the team, Durde acknowledged the club’s turbulent fortunes, according to bild.de.
“You get used to highs and lows and rollercoaster rides,” Durde told bild.de.
