From Berlin to Detroit: A conversation with the Falcons’ International Fan of the Year

Auf geht’s, Falcons!

In a captivating fusion of football fervor and global connectivity, Alexandros, or as he’s known in the Atlanta Falcons’ community as Alesantoz, stands as a testament to the seemingly boundless reach of sports fandom. Hailing from Berlin, Germany, this devoted Falcons’ international ambassador earned the prestigious title of 2024 Atlanta Falcons International Fan of the Year.

His dedication transcends a continental divide, culminating in a momentous highlight: stepping onto the stage in Detroit during the 2024 NFL Draft to announce the Falcons 109th overall selection of defensive end Brandon Dorlus. As the spotlight shone upon him, Alesantoz embodied the growth of the game and the spirit that unites fans worldwide under the banner of their beloved team. His journey reflects the power of passion over obstacles like distance.

Now that he’s back in Germany, Alesantoz graciously took some time to speak with me and share his experience in Detroit and becoming the Falcons International Fan of the Year for 2024.

“I honestly can’t say exactly how the decision process came about, Alesantoz said. “I was just told about the International Fan of the Year in November on X via a link and told that I should apply. Then nothing happened for a long time and I actually kind of forgotten about it. In February though, the Falcons surprised me in Berlin with a video message from Greg Beadles and the award. What an awesome surprise!”

Being an NFL fan in a different country presents a unique blend of challenges and rewards. From navigating time zone differences to bridging cultural gaps, international fans like Alesantoz have to work to keep up with their teams. Despite the distance, the shared passion for football fosters a sense of belonging and community that transcends borders.

“I first came into contact with American football in the mid-90s in TV through my best buddy,” he said. “The Falcons stood out with their classic logo design, the colors and finally with Jamal Anderson and his famous Dirty Bird Dance. That’s how it happened for me. That easy!”

In 2023, the NFL announced the expansion of the Global Markets Program, which they believe will allow NFL teams to grow their fanbase internationally. The Falcons were awarded Germany as a market, but Alesantoz has helped grow the Falcons fandom in Germany before that.

“Falcons in Germany came together loosely in a private Facebook group back in 2013 and spoke to the Falcons sporadically,” he said. “I joined by chance in 2017 and was able to take over the administration together with others in 2019. My commitment was unleashed and so I started to create my own Falcons Germany website, install Twitter (now X) and Instagram and create content and blog articles for everything around the Falcons.

Then I started to start small pre-shows and debriefings via live videos within Facebook before and after the Falcons games and let the community participate in discussions and exchange opinions. After I filmed an episode of “Fascination Atlanta Falcons” on YouTube during Corona with a current RTL presenter friend, I also had to have a YouTube channel to reach more people and bring together more Falcons from German-speaking countries.

We now have TalkUP!, our weekly live stream/podcast. In total, we now have between 500 and 2000 (depending on the platform) Falcons enthusiasts who exchange ideas and organize watch parties or travel to Falcons events all over the country.”

As mentioned above, Alesantoz had the once in a lifetime opportunity to announce a Falcons draft pick live on stage in front of the world.

“My first draft ever and that alone was gigantic,” he said “Detroit put on an impeccable and perfectly organized mega show and mega event. Then to be there as the International Fan of the Year topped it all again. Many people congratulated me and patted me on the back. Overall, the atmosphere was very familiar and euphoric. That’s what I love about the sports enthusiasm here in the States.

The announcement of the picks was another quantum leap of emotion. The tension was absolutely high backstage with increasing nervousness, but when they counted down from 5 and I was finally allowed to go outside, I was euphoric. It was great fun and I was so pumped for at least another two hours afterwards, I could have announced 100 more picks!”

With Alesantoz understandably busy at the draft, and the fact that he literally announced a pick, I had to get his opinion of the Falcons’ 2024 draft class.

“All in all, I’m satisfied,” he said. “Even though we provided the shocker of the draft with the selection of Michael Penix Jr., I can live with the fact that we already have such a talented player for the time after Kirk Cousins and can build him up. I’m sure we all still have the time after Matt Ryan or Michael Vick in mind. Overall, I also think the emphasis on the front seven is very good. If only the secondary room could have been addressed, but then there was probably no one the front office had a crush on.”

Although the Falcons have played in London a few times, they have yet to play in Germany. I feel that’s likely more of a “when” than an “if” but best believe that when they do, Alesantoz will have the dirty birds in Germany ready to cheer them on.

“It would be overwhelming to see my team play in my country. Especially now that they’ve received the global marketing rights for Germany,” he said. “The community would also be totally over the moon and we would celebrate it to the max. I also know that a lot of people from Atlanta would love to make an extra trip out of town. Since last year, my wish to bring the two fan camps closer together has been fulfilled bit by bit. More and more people now know about our Fanbase in Germany, which makes it easier for us to make contact. You could really feel that in London for the Falcons game. That was fantastic.”

Alesantoz’ tireless efforts to cultivate a thriving Falcons community in Germany exemplify the transformative impact of sports on a global scale. As we look ahead to the future, buoyed by the NFL’s expanding presence in international markets, there’s no doubt that Alesantoz and fellow Falcons enthusiasts in Germany stand ready to welcome their beloved dirty birds with open arms on German soil. As Alesantoz put it, “we’re ready to celebrate it to the max.”

Be sure to give Atlanta Falcons Germany a follow on both X and Instagram!