German NFL Academy star Kevin Bentin is headed to America

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Kevin BentinA promising German football talent has taken a significant step in his career. The 20-year-old defenseman from Hamburg will play for the Long Island University (LIU) Sharks in the Northeast Conference starting in the 2025/26 season. The move not only marks a personal success for Bendin, but also underscores the growing importance of young German talent in American soccer.

Kevin Bendin – From Hamburg to Brooklyn via London.

Bendin's path to college football in America is remarkable. Born in Hamburg on August 27, 2004, he started his football career with the Hamburg Young Huskies. From there he went to the prestigious NFL Academy in Great Britain, where he trained until this year.

The NFL Academy, established in Loughborough in 2019, offers talented students a unique combination of full-time education and intensive football training led by a world-class coaching staff. Bentin took advantage of this opportunity and was able to present himself to various universities and colleges during the Academy's American tour.

Scholarship as a reward for hard work.

Kevin Bentin had a particularly strong influence at Long Island University in Brooklyn. His performance impressed those in charge at the LIU Sharks, who later offered him a football scholarship. The young German gratefully accepted the offer.

Photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

In announcing his scholarship, Bentin said, “I want to thank my family and coaches who have been with me throughout my journey. The Academy is a welcoming place where we grow and prepare ourselves for the future, so my future path will continue with Long Island University.”

NFL Germany sees potential in young talent

Alexander Steinforth, General Manager of NFL Germany, was excited about Bentin's success: “Kevin Bentin is a great example of the talent of young soccer players in Germany. We are proud that more young talent from Germany are finding their way to college programs in the United States, where they can play at the highest level.

Steinforth sees Bendin's move as a confirmation of the NFL's efforts to promote soccer in Germany. “His success shows that our efforts to promote soccer in Germany are paying off. We look forward to following in his footsteps and are confident that he and other German players will help shape the future of American soccer.”

The success story of the NFL Academy.

Bendin's success is not an isolated case. Since the program's inception, more than 40 alumni have received scholarships to play college football in the United States. More than 30 students are playing college football in the 2024-2025 season, including 19 at Division 1 college programs.

Photo: NFL

These numbers underscore the success of the NFL Academy and show that the program forms an important bridge between young European talent and the American college football system.

Outlook: German talent in NFL?

Kevin Bentin's move to Long Island University continues a trend that has become increasingly clear in recent years: German soccer talent is increasingly being pushed into American college football and, potentially, toward the NFL.

While the professional league still has a long way to go, players like Bentin have laid the groundwork for a possible career in American professional soccer. They inspire younger players in Germany and show that the dream of a soccer career in America can be very realistic.

The development of Kevin Bentin and other German talents will be followed with excitement in the coming years. Their success not only advanced their personal careers, but also increased the popularity and status of American football in Germany.

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