Footballer Jonas Cech

Lost bet brought him two championship titles

Jonas Cech wears the number 71 for the Dragons.(Bild: Alexander Forst)

The grading of a chemistry test at school 13 years ago is the reason why 26-year-old Jonas Cech from the Danube Dragons is now a two-time Austrian champion in American football. He actually wanted to quit after the first title, but his coach was able to persuade him to carry on.

He made a bet with his best friend Daniel Schneider, who was already playing football at the time: "If I get at least a B on the chemistry test, then I'll come to training." Thanks to the active help of Daniel, Jonas even managed to get an "A" - and so it was off to football! "Luckily I lost the bet back then."

Jonas (right) is part of the O-line as a center.(Bild: Alexander Forst @af-photos)

The chemistry was instant, the tall and strong Jonas eventually found his place in the O-line, becoming center and captain. Friend Daniel had to end his career at 19 due to injury, but attends Jonas' and the Dragons' games as often as possible.

Cech also wanted to hang up his helmet. He planned to retire after the 2022 title. But even before the championship ring was handed over, coach Kubilay "Kubi" Gückiran, who is responsible for the O-line, was able to persuade him to continue playing: "Jonas' understanding of the game is so great, I can use him in any position in the O-line. He takes his role as captain seriously," said the coach, giving his protégé a rose.

Jonas stayed and won his second title with the Dragons in 2023. Both wins came against arch-rivals Vienna Vikings. The Vikings are currently unbeaten at the top of the Austrian Football League table and are aiming for their next win in Mödling on Saturday (17). The third-placed Dragons visit second-placed Graz (15). "We want to avenge the green Vienna in Graz," winks Jonas, who was in the stadium when Rapid lost 3-1 to Sturm. "Last year, the button opened for us in the game in Graz."