Re-al Mitchell is the new quarterback of Panthers Wrocław in the Polish Football League!

Re-al Mitchell has been named the new quarterback for Panthers Wrocław, competing in the Polish Football League. The American signal-caller is an exceptionally experienced player with a background in NCAA Division I.

Re-al’s journey with the sport began at the age of five with flag football; by age seven, he moved up to full-contact football with the local Eastvale Mustangs. In high school, he suited up for the prestigious St. John Bosco program in Los Angeles. His career then took him to the collegiate level, where he attended Iowa State University and Temple University before concluding his college career at the University of San Diego.

It is also worth noting that Mitchell was one of the three featured stars in the second season of the documentary series „QB1: Beyond the Lights”, appearing alongside players such as Justin Fields (Kansas City Chiefs) and Sam Hartman (Washington Commanders).

How would you describe yourself to fans who have never seen you on the field? Your resume includes stints in very different NCAA systems-what type of quarterback are you today, and what do you consider your greatest strength?

I would describe my style of play and football character as doing anything to help the team win. Whether it is passing the ball 30 times a game or rushing the ball 30 times, I can do both at a high level. Being able to play in 3 different offenses throughout college has help my football IQ tremendously as I’ve always put effort into be a ‘student of the game.’

You’ve played for Iowa State, Temple, and San Diego. Each of these schools represents a different environment, different coaching staffs, and different systems. How will that experience help you now, as you step into the Panthers Wrocław locker room mid-season?

Those 3 institutions are very unique as one is on the west coast, the mid-west and east coast. All three being different from a cultural perspective. Having to be able to lead a team of guys that have  different upbringings and life experiences is something I’m now comfortable with and look forward to growing as a person, on the field and in life as I enjoy the Polish traditions. 

You have experience playing at the highest academic and athletic level in the USA (Division I). What is the most important lesson you learned competing against top-tier talent in the States that you plan to bring to the Polish league?

I believe in attention to detail. The more detailed you are in your craft and how you prepare can make up for areas in your game you might lack. So at the highest collegiate level, where everyone’s good, knowing the details and the ‘why’ behind the reason you’re executing a play a certain way is critical. I hope to bring that awareness to the details and insight from my playing experience to the team! 

What made you choose Panthers Wrocław? Were the organization's history and its championship aspirations key factors in making your decision at this point in the season?

This opportunity presented itself and I knew could NOT pass it up. I first became familiar with the program when an ex-teammate of mine, Matthew Vitale (Temple) played his rookie season here and did great things. Being familiar and hearing amazing things from him made this decision much easier as I’ve never traveled across the Atlantic Ocean before. I enjoying working to win and I believe this team can win every game here on out. 

From an American QB’s perspective: what is more challenging-quickly learning the terminology of a new offense, or adjusting to a completely new culture and the realities of life in Poland?

This is a great question. I would have to say adjusting to a completely new culture and the realities of life in Poland. I think once you’ve played in so many offensives like I have there’s a lot of ‘carry-over’ from a schematic standpoint whereas each country has its own traditions and history that make learning and enjoying a new country a bit harder (in a good way). I will say my teammates of done a great job welcoming me into the organization and showing me the ropes with how things are done here. 

As a quarterback, you are a natural leader. How do you plan to earn the trust of a team that is already in mid-season rhythm, being the new face in the locker room? 

I will earn the trust by preparing like a professional and winning games no matter the cost. Most people enjoy being on the winning side of competition and im addicted to winning. 

Finally-what message would you like to send to the Panthers fans who are eagerly awaiting your debut at the Olympic Stadium?