A Journey of 17 Years on the Field — and 6 Years on the Sideline
Some people join a club. Others become part of its history.
For me, that journey started back in 2003, when I first began playing American Football with the Rotterdam Trojans. What started as a passion at a young age would eventually become a huge part of my life — first as a player, and now as a coach.
🏈 Where It All Started
I started playing with the Trojans in 2003 and spent my entire youth career at the club. The Trojans quickly became more than just a team. It was where I grew as a player, made lifelong memories, and developed my love for American Football.
During my youth career, I was also selected for the Dutch National Team and the Dutch All-Star Team. One of the highlights was travelling to Germany and playing on and around several American military bases.
Those experiences showed me that American Football could take me far beyond Rotterdam — both literally and figuratively.
💚Growing Beyond Rotterdam
As I moved into senior football, my journey continued with different clubs.
I played for the Spijkenisse Scouts at senior level before moving on to Alphen, where I played for several years.
My time in Alphen also gave me the opportunity to compete on a higher level, including playing in the European Football League (EFL).
Playing against teams at that level taught me a lot — not only about football, but also about discipline, preparation, teamwork and what it takes to compete against the best.
↩️ Back Where It Started
After my time away, I eventually returned to the Rotterdam Trojans.
I finished my final two years as a senior player with the Trojans, bringing my playing career full circle.
In total, I played American Football for 17 years.
Seventeen years of practices, games, victories, defeats, teammates, coaches, injuries, celebrations and lessons.
And then came the next chapter.
💪 From Player to Coach
For the past six years, I have been coaching.
My coaching journey started with the Trojans as Defensive Coordinator, a role I held for three years.
After that, I spent a year coaching Special Teams and Running Backs, giving me the opportunity to develop my knowledge of different parts of the game and work with players in new ways.
Every position I coached taught me something different.
But more importantly, coaching taught me that being a good coach isn’t just about knowing football.
It’s about knowing people.
Understanding your players. Helping them grow. Pushing them when they need it. Supporting them when things get difficult. And creating a team that believes in each other.
👑 The Next Chapter: Head Coach
Now, I’m entering my second year as Head Coach of the Rotterdam Trojans.
It’s a role that carries a lot of responsibility, but also one that I’m incredibly proud of.
I started my journey at the Trojans as a young player back in 2003.
More than two decades later, I’m standing on the sideline as the Head Coach.
The game has changed. I have changed. The club has changed.
But the passion for the Trojans and for American Football is still there.
🛡️ From Defense to Leadership
Throughout my playing career, I primarily played on defense, including:
Outside Linebacker • Strong Safety • Defense
Those positions shaped the way I see the game.
Defense is about trust.
You have to trust the person next to you. You have to communicate. You have to do your job for the team, not just for yourself.
That mindset has stayed with me as a coach.
Because ultimately, football isn’t about one player.
It’s about the team.
💚🤍 The Trojan Family
From a young kid joining the Trojans in 2003…
To representing the Netherlands…
To playing senior football and competing in Europe…
To returning home and finishing my playing career with the Trojans…
And now coaching the next generation.
It’s been a journey of 17 years as a player and 6 years as a coach.
And the story isn’t finished yet.
This is the next chapter.
The helmet may have changed from player to coach — but the Trojan spirit remains the same.