Bernhard Raimann Bio
Bernhard Raimann, born on September 23, 1997, is an Austrian professional American football offensive tackle for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 303 pounds, he plays the crucial left tackle position and is regarded as one of the emerging young protectors at the sport’s highest level.
Before joining the NFL, Raimann played college football for the Central Michigan Chippewas, where he earned recognition as one of the top offensive linemen in college football. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round, 77th overall, of the 2022 NFL draft and has since developed into a foundational piece of the team’s offensive line.
Early Life and Background
Bernhard Raimann was born in Steinbrunn, a small community in Austria. He grew up in this Austrian town before pursuing opportunities that would eventually carry him across the Atlantic Ocean and into American football. His upbringing in Austria, where American football remains a niche sport, shaped an unusual path toward the NFL.
Raimann began playing American football at the age of 14, joining the youth team of the Vienna Vikings, one of Austria’s most established American football programs. This early exposure introduced him to the sport during his teenage years and laid the foundation for his future development as a player.
He attended Ballsportgymnasium in Vienna, a publicly funded upper secondary school designed for elite competitive athletes. As part of his educational journey, Raimann also spent a junior year as an exchange student at Delton-Kellogg High School in Delton, Michigan, which proved pivotal in connecting him to American football culture.
Path to American Football
During his exchange year in Michigan, Raimann lived with a host family that included Rollie Ferris, a former Central Michigan University football player, along with Ferris’s son Tyden, who would later become Raimann’s college teammate. This connection introduced him to Central Michigan and opened the door to a collegiate career in the United States.
After completing his exchange year, Raimann returned to Austria and fulfilled his compulsory service in the Austrian military, a standard requirement for Austrian citizens. Following his military service, he committed to play college football at Central Michigan University, beginning a new chapter in his athletic journey.
His unique combination of European athletic training, American high school football experience, and disciplined military service helped prepare him for the rigors of Division I college football and, eventually, the NFL.
Bernhard Raimann Career
Early Career (2018–2021)
Bernhard Raimann joined the Central Michigan Chippewas in 2018, beginning his college career as a tight end. Over his first two seasons at the position, he caught 20 passes for 164 yards, showing flashes of athleticism but not yet settling into his ultimate role on the offensive line.
After his sophomore year, Raimann transitioned to offensive tackle, a move that would define his professional future. During the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, he started all six games for the Chippewas, gaining valuable experience at his new position. In 2021, his performance earned him the title of Pro Football Focus Offensive Player of the Year for the Mid-American Conference.
Central Michigan Breakthrough (2020–2021)
Raimann’s switch to offensive tackle unlocked his potential as a protector and run blocker. By his senior season in 2021, he had become a dominant force on the Chippewas’ offensive line, earning Second-team All-American honors and First-team All-MAC recognition for his efforts.
His standout 2021 campaign caught the attention of NFL scouts and propelled him into the conversation as one of the top offensive tackle prospects heading into the 2022 draft. His combination of size, footwork, and technical development made him an intriguing prospect for teams seeking long-term solutions at the position.
Indianapolis Colts Era (2022–Present)
The Indianapolis Colts selected Bernhard Raimann in the third round, 77th overall, of the 2022 NFL draft. Heading into his rookie season, the Colts initially planned to move veteran lineman Matt Pryor to the critical left tackle spot, but the experiment faltered, leading to a quicker-than-expected promotion for Raimann.
In Week 5 of his rookie year, head coach Frank Reich inserted Raimann into the starting lineup. He would go on to start 11 of the final 13 games of his debut season, gaining invaluable on-field experience. Following the season, Raimann focused on adding strength and mass to his 6-foot-6 frame, putting on 15 pounds during the off-season.
Raimann was named the starting left tackle from the opening week of the 2023 season and played in 15 games that year. His performance showed significant improvement, with his rate of quarterback sacks allowed dropping from 2.2 percent as a rookie to 1.2 percent in his second season, according to Sports Info Solutions analysis. His percentage of blown run blocks similarly decreased from 3.7 percent to 2.1 percent, and his accepted penalties dropped from seven to four despite playing 180 more passing snaps.
On July 28, 2025, the Colts signed Raimann to a four-year, $100 million contract extension, cementing his status as a long-term cornerstone of the franchise’s offensive line.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bernhard Raimann is recognized for his pass-protection skills and athleticism at the left tackle position. His refined technique and improved strength have made him more reliable in both pass sets and run-blocking situations. Continued development alongside the Colts’ coaching staff has sharpened his ability to handle edge rushers in critical moments.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Bernhard Raimann’s signature accomplishments are his Third-round selection in the 2022 NFL draft, his Pro Football Focus MAC Offensive Player of the Year award in 2021, and his Second-team All-American selection that same year. His four-year, $100 million contract extension in July 2025 stands as a major milestone reflecting his growth into one of the Colts’ most important players.
Bernhard Raimann Career Wins
Bernhard Raimann’s career achievements are primarily measured through individual recognition, team performance, and his consistent development as a pass protector rather than traditional statistical win totals common to skill positions.
Central Michigan Highlights
At Central Michigan, Bernhard Raimann earned Second-team All-American honors and First-team All-MAC recognition in 2021. He also received Pro Football Focus MAC Offensive Player of the Year that season, following a successful transition from tight end to offensive tackle.
Other Wins and Performances
In the NFL, Raimann’s steady rise from third-round pick to franchise left tackle represents his most significant performance arc. Through the 2025 season, he has played in 61 games with 56 starts for the Indianapolis Colts, demonstrating durability and consistency at a demanding position.
Bernhard Raimann Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Bernhard Raimann’s immediate family remain limited, with no widely verified information regarding his parents or relatives available from authoritative sources.
Personal Life
Details regarding Bernhard Raimann’s marital status, spouse, or children are not publicly confirmed in available sources. His residence and personal life remain largely private as he continues his professional career with the Indianapolis Colts.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a defining chapter for Bernhard Raimann and the Indianapolis Colts. After years of steady improvement, Raimann entered the season as the unquestioned starting left tackle following his four-year, $100 million contract extension signed in July 2025.
Through the early portion of the 2025 campaign, Raimann has continued to anchor the Colts’ offensive line, bringing refined technique and added strength to the position. His development into a reliable blind-side protector has been central to the team’s offensive plans and the protection of the quarterback.
With his long-term future secured in Indianapolis, Raimann’s 2025 performance carries added weight as he looks to validate the Colts’ substantial investment and establish himself among the NFL’s elite offensive tackles.
