Sascha Denzinger thought he was getting a phone call from Steelers linebacker Julius Welschof as part of an interview about his love and dedication to the Steelers.
He soon found out the call was a whole lot more.
Welschof, who like Denzinger is from Germany, was delivering the news that he is the Steelers 2025 International Fan of the Year.
Denzinger was shocked as Welschof delivered the news, barely able to put his thoughts together.
"Are you kidding me," asked Denzinger.
Welschof assured him it was true.
"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.
"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."
Every team selected an International Fan of the Year, and Denzinger will join the other 31 nominees at the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, where the Ultimate NFL International Fan of the Year will be announced. He will also receive a customized Steelers jersey.
Denzinger's love for the Steelers began in the early 1990s. He began running the only German Steelers website in the mid-90s, and he is the founder and president of the 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.
"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."
