Bernhard Raimann named 'secret superstar' for Indianapolis Colts

At the beginning of the 2024 season, the Indianapolis Colts had one of the best offensive line units in the league. Injuries decimated the o-line, however, and they were barely able to limp across the finish line to close out the season.

Still, despite legitimate struggle and injury, there were still quite a few standouts this season: Quenton Nelson, Tanor Bortolini, and none other than Austria's Bernhard Raimann. Raimann began playing American football for the Vienna Vikings. He lived in Michigan for a year as an exchange student eventually played football at Central Michigan University. His first two years he played as tight end before being moved to offensive tackle, and was named Offensive Player of the Year for the Mid-American Conference by Pro Football Focus in 2021.

Raimann was selected by the Colts in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft, and took over the starting left tackle position that season from Matt Pryor, starting 11 of the final 13 games. During his sophomore season he saw great improvement, committing fewer penalties, and allowing less sacks. He was well on his way to another fantastic season, if it hadn't been for numerous injuries. He was sidelined once for a concussion in Week 8, and then for a knee injury in Week 10.

Despite these injuries, Raimann still had a standout season, and he's being recognized for it. Many analysts have predicted that he will grow to be one of the best tackles in the league, and is unquestionably one of the best players on the Colts' roster.

Still, being a member of the offensive line doesn't get as much attention as some, shall we say, flashier positions do. So it's gratifying to see that Raimann was acknowledged by Bradley Locker at Pro Football Focus as the Colts' "secret superstar."

"The Colts are known for their offensive line prowess, and they’ve cultivated another gem in Raimann. The third-year tackle ranked eighth in PFF overall grade (85.1) among qualified tackles this year and was one of six tackles with an 80.0 grade or better as both a run and pass blocker. Raimann can easily get overshadowed by one of the game’s best in Quenton Nelson, but he’s developed into a rock-solid left tackle himself — giving up only 15 career sacks on 1,159 pass-blocking snaps."

Bradley Locker

As Locker noted, there are incredible talents on every team that fly under the radar, and Raimann is that person for the Colts. "Like virtually every sport, the NFL is perennially driven by the best players and top talents," Locker said. "But what makes football so much fun is the unheralded stars who fly under the radar despite stepping up."

Raimann definitely fits the bill there. And while he has just one year left on his rookie contract, Colts fans undoubtedly hope he will have a long career right here in Indianapolis.