WATERLOO, Ont. - Laurier offensive lineman Josh Rietveld is taking the next step in his football career, as the recent Golden Hawks graduate has signed his first professional contract with the Potsdam Royals of the German Football League (GFL).

The 6'4", 323-pound lineman from Brantford, Ont., joins the Royals following an impressive university career that saw him establish himself as one of the top offensive linemen in the country.

A communications studies major, Rietveld earned Ontario University Athletics first team all-star honours and was named a U SPORTS second team All-Canadian in each of the past two seasons, anchoring a dominant Golden Hawks offensive front.

He played a key role in an offence that consistently performed at a high level, helping Laurier score 30 or more points in all eight regular-season games this past year. Rietveld and the offensive line also paved the way for a powerful ground attack that totalled 1,533 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.

Rietveld now joins a Potsdam program that has captured the German Bowl championship the past three seasons and has compiled a combined 34-2 record over that span.

The 16-team GFL is divided into north and south conferences, each featuring eight teams, with Potsdam, located in northeastern Germany, competing in the north.

A Golden Hawk from 2020 to 2025, Rietveld was part of one of the most successful stretches in program history. He helped Laurier reach three straight Yates Cup finals, including a championship victory in 2024, while also contributing to a Uteck Bowl win and a berth in the Vanier Cup national championship that same season.

"I'm very grateful for my time at Laurier. From practices to winning a championship, it helped shape me into the player and man I have become," Rietveld said. "I want to thank all of the coaches and teammates who played a role in my development. I'm very excited for this next chapter and Laurier will always have a special place in my heart."

"We are very proud of Josh and excited that he gets to continue his football journey in Germany," said Todd Galloway, Laurier's manager of football operations and head coach. "They are getting an incredible offensive lineman, but more importantly, an incredible human being.

"I think he will make an immediate impact both on the field and in the community."

Laurier offensive line coach Zach Scotto echoed that sentiment, highlighting Rietveld's impact beyond the field.

"Josh worked tirelessly to be the best player and person he could be from the moment he arrived as a commit during the COVID-19 pandemic to his last day as a Golden Hawk," Scotto said. "The Laurier offensive line room was better because he was in it, not just as a student-athlete, but as a compassionate, hardworking teammate.

"I am confident Potsdam will have a similar experience, and I couldn't be happier for Josh to have this opportunity."

The Royals are set to open their 12-week regular season on May 9 against the Berlin Rebels.