Sascha Denzinger from Germany has been named the Pittsburgh Steelers 2025 International Fan of the Year. The announcement was made during a phone call from Steelers linebacker Julius Welschof, who is also German. Denzinger initially believed he was being interviewed about his support for the team but learned instead that he had received the annual honor.
“Are you kidding me,” asked Denzinger upon hearing the news.
Welschof confirmed it was true, and Denzinger expressed gratitude for the recognition. “To be given this honor, to be able to be the Steelers International Fan of the Year, is amazing,” said Denzinger. “For me, this is full circle and I am very happy about it, but also very, very proud to be representing such a great franchise.”
He added: “At the moment I am a little speechless. I don’t know what will happen to me. I’m just looking forward to everything that will happen.”
Each NFL team selects an International Fan of the Year annually. Denzinger will join other nominees at the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, where one will be chosen as Ultimate NFL International Fan of the Year. He will also receive a personalized Steelers jersey.
Denzinger has supported the Steelers since the early 1990s and founded both a German-language website dedicated to the team and serves as president of Steelers Nation German fan club.
“For me, being a Steelers fan is almost a lifestyle,” said Denzinger. “I will have a blast (at the draft). It’s still hard for me to put my thoughts into words, especially when it’s emotional and it is very emotional right now, I have to admit.”
He continued: “So, I’m kind of speechless and I’m really looking forward to anything that’s coming.”
“I’ve been a fan for over 30 years now and now to be given this honor to be able to represent the Steelers as International Fan of the Year, that’s a full circle for me and I’m very happy about it, but also very, very proud to be allowed to represent such a great franchise.”
“Again, I’m a little speechless. I don’t even know what’s going to happen to me. Weird. And I’m just looking forward to everything.”
“I’m kind of overwhelmed and I’m so excited to be the Steelers International Fan of the Year.”
The Pittsburgh Steelers are recognized members of the National Football League with six Super Bowl championships in their history (https://www.steelers.com/history/super-bowls/). The organization engages its community through historical celebrations like their Hall of Honor (https://www.steelers.com/history/hall-of-honor/) and maintains exhibits at Acrisure Stadium’s Hall of Honor Museum (https://www.steelers.com/museum/), which features artifacts highlighting significant moments in franchise history.
The team has honored notable figures including Terry Bradshaw and Joe Greene in their Hall of Honor (https://www.steelers.com/history/hall-of-fame/).
