MUNICH — Markus Kuhn has made significant contributions to the realm of American football, particularly for German players venturing into the sport. After achieving fame for becoming the first German to score a touchdown in the NFL, he continues to foster the sport’s growth in his native country.
Kuhn experienced a moment of pure elation when he made NFL history, scoring a touchdown a decade ago. This iconic moment has resonated with many fans, solidifying his place in the hearts of Germany’s expanding NFL community. The touchdown came as a surprise not just to Kuhn but to everyone watching. Playing as a defensive tackle for the Giants at the time, he managed to return a fumble for 26 yards during a game against the Tennessee Titans on December 7, 2014, which ultimately helped break New York’s seven-game losing streak.
Reflecting on that incredible moment, Kuhn shared his astonishment: “I played quarterback in Germany at a very different level, scoring a few touchdowns, but I never envisioned achieving that on such a grand stage. Imagine being the biggest football fan, dedicating nearly your entire life to the sport, and then suddenly scoring in the NFL. That’s how surreal it was for me.”
As the anniversary of his remarkable touchdown approaches, Kuhn is considering how to commemorate this milestone. However, his schedule remains packed. He serves as an ambassador for the Giants, who are set to play their inaugural game in Germany against the Carolina Panthers, while also collaborating with the NFL on expanding its international reach. Additionally, he has become a familiar face on German television coverage of the league, making for a hectic but fulfilling agenda.
Kuhn’s entry into football began at age 15 within Germany’s amateur league. His journey took a significant turn when he earned a spot at North Carolina State University after creating a highlights DVD showcasing his skills. When explaining his status as a student-athlete to his grandmother, he faced some confusion. “She found it shocking, saying, ‘You’re doing all this without being paid?’ It was hard for her to grasp that I looked like a professional athlete, but without any income.”
Drafted by the Giants in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Kuhn had a four-season career, compiling 48 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries across 39 games. His groundbreaking touchdown, however, was his only score. Unfortunately, after a knee injury in December 2015, he joined the New England Patriots as a free agent for the subsequent season but did not play again.
Since transitioning from playing, Kuhn has taken on roles as an ambassador for both the Patriots and Giants, advising the NFL Players Association on international matters and occasionally serving as an international correspondent for the league.
The journey taken by players like Kuhn and Sebastian Vollmer—who won a Super Bowl with the Patriots—plays a crucial part in showcasing the talent and passion for football in Germany. Their stories contribute to increasing enthusiasm for the sport back home. “Some ambitions seem unachievable if no one has paved the way,” Kuhn stated. “Now, with individuals to admire and paths laid out, it certainly makes the prospect of coming to America to play football much more attainable.”