Bernhard Raimann Bio
Bernhard Raimann (born September 23, 1997) is an Austrian professional American football offensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Central Michigan Chippewas and was selected by the Colts in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft. Raimann has emerged as a cornerstone piece of the Colts offensive line, earning Second-team All-American honors and First-team All-MAC recognition during his college career before becoming a starter in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
Raimann grew up in Steinbrunn, Austria. He began playing American football at the age of 14 for the Vienna Vikings youth team. His early exposure to the sport in Austria laid the foundation for his future career path. Raimann attended Ballsportgymnasium in Vienna, a publicly funded upper secondary school designed for elite competitive athletes.
During his junior year of high school, Raimann became an exchange student at Delton-Kellogg High School in Delton, Michigan. While on exchange, he lived with a host family that included former Central Michigan University football player Rollie Ferris and his future college teammate, Tyden Ferris. This experience connected Raimann to American football at its grassroots level and eventually led him to his college destination.
After returning to Austria, Raimann completed his compulsory service in the Austrian military following his graduation from Ballsportgymnasium Wien. He then committed to play college football at Central Michigan University after his military service concluded.
Path to American Football
Raimann arrived at Central Michigan University in 2018 and immediately began his college career as a tight end. During his first two seasons with the Chippewas, he caught 20 passes for 164 yards while adapting to the speed and physicality of American college football. His athletic foundation from his youth football experience in Austria helped him make the transition to the American game.
After his sophomore year, Raimann made a pivotal position change to offensive tackle. This move capitalized on his size and athleticism while addressing a critical need on the offensive line. The transition proved successful, and he started all six games during the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, marking his emergence as a developing talent on the line.
In 2021, Raimann established himself as one of the top offensive linemen in the Mid-American Conference. Pro Football Focus named him their Offensive Player of the Year for the MAC, recognizing his dominant play at the tackle position. He earned both Second-team All-American and First-team All-MAC honors that season, solidifying his status as an NFL prospect.
Bernhard Raimann Career
Rookie Season (2022)
Raimann was selected in the third round with the 77th overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts in the 2022 NFL draft. The Colts initially planned to move veteran lineman Matt Pryor to the critical left tackle spot, but that experiment proved challenging. In Week 5 of his rookie season, Raimann was thrust into the starting lineup by head coach Frank Reich due to performance concerns.
Raimann started 11 of the final 13 games of his rookie year, gaining invaluable NFL experience while facing some of the league’s top defensive pass rushers. The trial-by-fire approach accelerated his development, though he faced the natural struggles expected of a rookie adjusting to professional competition.
Breakthrough Season (2023)
During the 2023 off-season, Raimann dedicated himself to physical transformation, adding 15 pounds to his 6-foot-6 frame to better handle the physical demands of the tackle position in the NFL. He was named the starting left tackle from the opening week of the 2023 season, a testament to the coaching staff’s confidence in his development.
Raimann’s performance showed marked improvement during his sophomore NFL season. He played in 15 games, and advanced analytics from Sports Info Solutions revealed significant strides in his game. His rate of quarterback sacks allowed dropped from 2.2 percent as a rookie to 1.2 percent in year two. His percentage of blown run blocks similarly declined from 3.7 percent to 2.1 percent, indicating improved consistency and technique.
Additionally, Raimann demonstrated better discipline in 2023, with his penalty count decreasing from seven accepted flags as a rookie to just four, despite participating in 180 more passing snaps during his second season. These metrics collectively signaled his transition from a developing prospect to a reliable NFL starter.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2022-Present)
Raimann has become a foundational piece of the Colts’ offensive line rebuild. His progression from a third-round draft pick to the team’s starting left tackle demonstrates both his work ethic and natural ability. The Colts organization has invested heavily in his development, recognizing his potential to anchor their offensive line for years to come.
On July 28, 2025, the Colts signed Raimann to a four-year, $100 million contract extension, reflecting the franchise’s belief in his value and performance. Through the 2025 season, he has played in 61 career games with 56 starts, establishing himself as one of the more consistent performers at his position in the AFC South division.
Playing Style and Strengths
Raimann brings exceptional length and footwork to the offensive tackle position. His 6-foot-6 frame provides natural leverage against edge rushers, while his background as a former tight end gives him body control and flexibility uncommon among linemen who specialize early. His continuous improvement in technique and strength has translated into measurable results on the field, particularly in pass protection efficiency.
Notable Events and Milestones
The defining moment of Raimann’s early career came when he was promoted to starting left tackle in Week 5 of his rookie season. Rather than being overwhelmed by the sudden opportunity, he embraced the challenge and developed into a reliable starter. His 2025 contract extension stands as the culmination of his rise from mid-round draft pick to among the highest-paid offensive tackles in the league.
Bernhard Raimann Career Highlights
Bernhard Raimann has compiled an impressive record across his college and professional career. His journey from Austrian youth football to the NFL showcases his dedication to the sport and continuous improvement at every level.
College Career Highlights
At Central Michigan, Raimann earned Second-team All-American and First-team All-MAC honors in 2021. He was recognized as the Pro Football Focus Offensive Player of the Year for the Mid-American Conference, distinguishing him as the top offensive player across the entire conference. His position transition from tight end to offensive tackle highlighted his versatility and football intelligence.
Professional Career Statistics
Through the 2025 NFL season, Raimann has appeared in 61 games with 56 starts for the Indianapolis Colts. His durability and availability have been key assets for an offensive line that has undergone significant changes during his tenure. His four-year, $100 million contract extension signed in July 2025 ranks among the most lucrative deals for an offensive tackle in recent league history.
| Competition Level | Games Played | Games Started | Accolades |
|---|---|---|---|
| College (Central Michigan) | Multiple seasons | Starting role | Second-team All-American, First-team All-MAC, MAC Offensive Player of the Year |
| NFL (Indianapolis Colts) | 61 | 56 | Starting left tackle, 4-year $100M extension |
Family and Personal Life
Background and Upbringing
Raimann was born and raised in Steinbrunn, Austria, by Austrian parents. His introduction to American football came through the Vienna Vikings youth program, where he began playing at age 14. The Vienna Vikings have produced several players who went on to play professionally in the United States, making the program an important development pipeline for Austrian talent.
Personal Life
Beyond football, Raimann’s life has been shaped by his international upbringing and military service. He completed compulsory military service in Austria after graduating from Ballsportgymnasium Wien, a unique background among NFL players. His experience as an exchange student in Michigan provided him with early exposure to American culture and football, ultimately guiding his career path to Central Michigan and the NFL.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter in Raimann’s career following his lucrative contract extension. The Colts entered the season with heightened expectations for their offensive line, with Raimann serving as the unit’s anchor at left tackle. His continued development and consistent performance have made him a reliable presence protecting the quarterback’s blind side.
Raimann’s momentum carries into 2025 as one of the more established young offensive tackles in the NFL. His trajectory from mid-round rookie to Pro Bowl-caliber player represents one of the Colts’ most successful recent draft picks. The organization has built its offensive line around his strengths, and his presence provides stability for the team’s long-term plans at the position.