| 22. srpanj 2011. |
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American football star and the member of the NLF team the New York “Giants” visiting the homeland of his ancestors
David Diehl: Proud to be a Croat
By anasd @ 18:24 :: 2510 Views ::
0 Comments ::  :: DALMACIJA, The Dalmatia Times
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Poljud has a real amplification. The only problem is that it comes from – the wrong football! American football star David Diehl, a member of the NFL team the New York “Giants” has come to visit the homeland of his ancestors. Thirty years old Diehl, who as a an offensive line player (they protect the quarterback, point guard and the central figure of the attack) won the Superbowl in 2007 with the “Giants”, has visited the stadium Poljud with his friend Zoran Mamić.
On that occasion he was given a jersey of the FC “Hajduk” with number 66, which he carries in “Giants” and his surname and “Hajduk” in turn got his club’s jersey. Probably the only Croat who has won the Superbowl as a player was very happy to come to Split and at Poljud Stadium.
- It is an honor and a pleasure to be here. It has long been my great wish. My family originated from Lovreć from where they migrated to the U.S. I enjoyed the sightseeing of Split, but I even more enjoyed visiting “Hajduk” where I was welcomed with opened arms. I could see the stadium, learn about the past of the club… This means a lot to me as a Croatian. The istory of “Hajduk” is a story of pride and a hundred-year struggle for the club. There are very few clubs with such a tradition.
Elsewhere the clubs move, stop existing…. It’s nice to see how much “Hajduk” means to people, how much passion and love they have for it all these years”, Diehl was very impressed, the giant from the “Giants”, 195 cm tall and who weighs 145 kilos. Unfortunately he won’t be able to watch “Hajduk” vs “Barcelona” match, which spoiled a bit his good mood.
Unfortunately I won’t be able to come. I am here till Friday and than I have to go back for the preparations for the next season. Because of the “lockout”, the disagreement between the players and the club owners, concerning the rights and pay, he came to Croatia for the first time.
- This is my ninth season with the “Giants”. In the past years we were usually in a camp preparing for the season. The lockout turned out for me as a real blessing, which made it possible for me to come here.
Diehl’s late father Jerry was half German and half Dutch and his mother Darlene has Dalmatian origins. His grandmother Lucija Šemanić was born in the USA but originally she was from the island of Krk, while his grandfather Ante Bekavac was born in Bekavci village near Lovreć, in Imotski region. Diehl is proud of his Croatian origins which can be seen in the Croatian coat of arms tattooed on his left arm, and the word “neuništiv”, Croatian for indestructible, on his biceps.
- Everyone can see the coat of arms and the word “neuništiv”. When I first came to New York many thought I was German because of my surname.When I started coming to the Croatian community more often, people realized my background.
My father is German and I am proud of my German and Croatian origins, but I was brought up in Chicago where many Croats lived. I know very well what “tambura “is, we used to play soccer tournaments when we were kids and we ate “palačinke” for breakfast….
I was brought up as a Croat and I am proud of it – said Diehl in English but he made everybody laugh when he said “tambura” and “palačinke” in Croatian.
- This has been an incredible experience for me. I’ve always wanted to see where I came from, where my origins are. He is a star in the USA but in Croatia people know little of him.
- In high school I played basketball, I wrestled and I played American football too. Look at me! Could I have done any other sports! It’s a gift. I feel blessed for being what I am and for being able to do this sport, but I never take anything for granted. Every year, every day I try to push myself a step further, to the extreme limits, to become a better player and a better person and thus a better role model for children.
Frane Vulas
GOD AND THE CROATS
Diehl believes that he is the only Croatian player in the NFL.
- I am the only player, but I know of some coaches. Nick Saban, the coach of the Alabama University team is partly Croatian as well as Bill Belichick the coach of the NFL team New England “Patriots”. Bog i Hrvati! (God and the Croats!), said Diehl his last sentence in Croatian language and in a good mood. |
With Toni Kukoč in the Hall of Fame
Diehl was born Chicago where Toni Kukoč made it into the legend as a member of the champion generation of the”Bulls” led by the unique Michael Jordan. - I met Tony a long time ago. We received awards together and entered the Croatian Hall of Fame in Chicago. It’s a nice feeling, says Diehl. |
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