Alpine Rams’ Chad Walrond: “I’m going to lead by example, every single snap”
Chad Walrond has played football across half of Europe. From London to Istanbul, Cologne to Copenhagen, he has worn a lot of jerseys and faced a lot of challenges. Now the Alpine Rams defensive back is heading to Switzerland for the AFLE’s inaugural season. He was the first guest on Inside the League, and he did not hold back.
Coach Fitz and a safety’s best friend
Walrond was direct about what drew him to the Alpine Rams. Two things above all: the head coach and the pass rusher lining up alongside him. After a season in Copenhagen where he saw first-hand what a dominant edge defender does for a secondary, he knew exactly what DeMarco Artis on the same defense could mean for his game.
“Coach Fitz is a leader of men, and that’s what I’ve gone for in the last couple of years. Then there’s DeMarco Artis. What I learned from last year is that a safety’s best friend has to be a pass rusher. He needs me to make sure things aren’t going deep. I need him to get there and put pressure on the QB. It only goes one way,” he said.
Playing at home for the first time since 2020
The Alpine Rams play their second game of the season in London on June 7th. For Walrond it will be the first time he has played on British soil in five years. His mother, his sister, his little brother, his PE colleagues and his closest friends will all be in the stands. His little brother has never seen him play.
“My boys are some of the reason I play football. Some of them were better than me. They should have been the ones with the opportunities. When they come to me and say, keep going, we’re so proud of you, that means everything. My mum came to watch me in Germany for the first time and I had two picks that game. So, yeah, I’m about to go crazy. Just know that,” he said.
Unfinished business with Vienna
When the conversation turned to the schedule, one game came up immediately. Walrond played the Vienna Vikings last season through a serious injury, and he has not forgotten how that day went. Friends on both sidelines make it personal, but it is the unresolved score that gives it an edge.
“I have circled Vienna, definitely for sure. I had suffered quite a serious injury going into that game. It was straight ball power and faith that was getting me through. I wasn’t able to do what I needed to do, so I felt like I let my teammates down. Unfinished business,” he said.
Walrond also talked about building chemistry on a brand new squad, his week in the life as a PE teacher and professional athlete, and what he expects from himself every time he steps on the field.
