SEBASTIAN VOLLMER is out to show that the path less travelled can lead to the ticker tape parade that awaits Super Bowl winners in Phoenix on Sunday.
The New England Patriots' offensive tackle protects quarterback Tom Brady against the Seattle Seahawks bidding to become the first German to win a Super Bowl ring.
Vollmer, born in Dusseldorf, did not take up the game until he was 14 but was spotted by American college scouts when he played for Europe in the Global Junior Championship in San Diego in 2004.
A second round draft pick by the Patriots five years later, he signed a new $27 million four-year contract with the team in 2012.
One of four German players now in the NFL, alongside Bjorn Werner (Indianapolis Colts), Markus Kuhn (New York Giants) and Kasim Edebali (New Orleans Saints), there is evidence that the aborted NFL Europe League is still producing a legacy.
"I think I took an unusual path to get here, I wasn't really expecting that," Vollmer, 30, stated.
"I feel like I just tried to work hard and try to get better and kind of everything else took care of itself.
"I feel like everyone has a chance. I mean, I don't think I'm any different than any other young athlete. So, I'd say if that's your dream keep on doing it and it might just work."
Vollmer played in the Super Bowl in Indianapolis three years ago but the Patriots lost out to Lawrence Tynes' New York Giants, the Scot winning his second Super Bowl ring.
The German wants to give his country the Super Bowl ring they have craved - compatriot Uwe von Schamann twice lost in a Super Bowl with the Miami Dolphins in the 1980s.
"I never pictured, never dreamed of being in the Super Bowl for a second time. Yeah, it's been an amazing ride. That's all I can say. I'm truly amazed at what has happened to me," he continued.
"I do remember the Global Junior Championship. It was a great experience. There were a lot of great players I faced in that tournament. I don't remember who is still around, but I remember I had some tough opponents, no doubt."
Vollmer is aware of his responsibilities as Brady goes for his fourth Super Bowl ring, something only legendary quarterbacks Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw have achieved, and has the closest working relationship with the passer.
"He's kind of what you say is what we see. He's true to himself, and he's a very intense guy, likes to win," Vollmer expanded.
"He has won a lot. He's been here [Super Bowl] six times now. So, yeah it's kind of what you see is what you get I would say.
"He's the only quarterback I've played for professionally, at least. You take a lot of pride in protecting him.
"I've got to do my job and the other guys too as well, obviously for him to do his job. If he's on, if he's going well, something good's going to happen most of the time at least.
"I mean, it's the biggest game of our career, so I don't think anybody has to do anything to motivate us. I think Seattle's going to be motivated. We're going to be motivated."
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