The Braunschweig Lions are returning to their tradition. After the withdrawal of sponsor New Yorker, they will compete again under the traditional name from 2026. Malte Hrabak is one of the players who will experience and shape this change. The Braunschweig Lions are a cornerstone of German American Football. But after the separation from the long-time main sponsor New Yorker, the record champion is facing a profound change. A new name, a new course and a team that is determined to redefine its own identity. Malte Hrabak is one of the players who will experience and shape this change. The offensive lineman came to the Lions in 2019 via a tryout. "I started in Braunschweig in 2019 via a tryout. First second team, then first team and then it started", he tells. Since then, he has developed into a fixed part of the team - not as a loudmouth, but as a reliable anchor in the offensive line. "I am an offensive lineman, I can play guard and tackle and yes, I am also team captain", Hrabak describes himself. He is someone who prefers to work rather than talk, who takes responsibility without showing it off. After the sponsor's withdrawal, the team will compete again under the traditional name Braunschweig Lions from 2026. For Hrabak, this is not a step back, but a return to his roots. "As I heard, it's now official. We're called Braunschweig Lions again", he says. "New Yorker has done a lot for football in Germany. Now with the withdrawal, let's see what happens. I think there will be hard work in the background to play GFL next year." The responsible people in Braunschweig want to rebuild structures, become financially independent and focus on the strength of their own region again. "The circumstances here in Braunschweig are all there to attack again", Hrabak emphasizes. "There are many former players who are now coaches and the region is football-strong. But whether we will be in the top 3 next year, I don't know. Now it's time to work like a smaller club, with fewer financial resources, and build something good." The 2025 season was a symbol of the change. Good approaches were repeatedly hindered by injuries and a lack of depth in the squad. "The game in Berlin was the turning point. We had two season-ending injuries to starters and I was out for eight weeks", Hrabak recalls. "After that, it got tough. When you lose key players, others have to deliver and we simply lacked depth in the squad." Despite everything, the team cohesion remained strong. Especially in the offensive line, which Hrabak describes as the core of the team chemistry. "We may not have been the strongest offensive line physically, but through team spirit and cohesion, we played well. Good team on that." Hrabak is not a man of big words, but someone who sets standards. "I'm more of a 'Lead by Example' type", he says. "Not the loudest, who makes big speeches in the final round. I try to move forward through behavior - punctual at training, serious, disciplined. A longer arm of the coach for the position group." This attitude is a symbol of the new course of the Lions - less glamour, more work. A program that focuses on sustainability rather than short-term success. After over a year