Joe Thomas: Coaching the Munich Ravens in Germany, Family Adventures, and the 2024 Cadillac Escalade

• Coaching the Munich Ravens (1:32)
• Parenting and Coaching Parallels (6:09)
• Life in Germany vs. Wisconsin (10:32)
• Building Six Springs Hall of Fame Beef (13:16)

In the latest episode of Kunes Car Convos, Scott Kunes, COO of Kunes Auto Group, catches up with NFL Hall of Famer and Wisconsin Badger legend Joe Thomas. Fresh off his coaching stint with the Munich Ravens in Germany, Joe shares insights about life overseas, his passion for coaching, and, of course, his thoughts on the luxurious 2024 Cadillac Escalade they cruised in for this chat.

The conversation kicks off inside the 2024 Cadillac Escalade a luxury SUV that Joe immediately praised for its spaciousness and family-friendly design. With room for car seats, a powerful engine, and state-of-the-art features, the Escalade made an impression as the ultimate ride for a family man like Joe.
“This is kind of it when it comes to luxury SUVs,” Joe said, admiring the vehicle’s style and performance.

Joe recently returned from Germany, where he coached the Munich Ravens’ offensive line in the European League of Football. This unique opportunity gave him and his family the chance to experience life abroad. He reflected on the challenges of working with a new franchise and the cultural adjustments for his family.
“It was amazing giving the kids the opportunity to live and go to school overseas,” Joe shared. “We appreciate it tremendously now, but I think we’ll see the benefits even more as time goes on.”
Adversity was a theme during his time with the Ravens, whether it was limited resources or the team’s growing pains. But Joe turned challenges into character-building moments. “It’s all part of the experience,” he told his team, encouraging them to embrace setbacks as opportunities for growth.

The conversation took a deeper turn as Joe and Scott discussed the parallels between coaching and parenting. For Joe, coaching isn’t just about football—it’s about shaping young athletes’ lives and helping them overcome hurdles on and off the field.
“The happiest I’ve been this past year was coaching my son’s flag football team and the Munich Ravens,” Joe said. “Seeing people reach their goals and knowing you played a part in it—it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Scott echoed the sentiment, noting that in his role as a leader at Kunes Auto Group, he often feels more like a coach than anything else. “It’s about guiding and inspiring people,” Scott said, highlighting the value of mentorship in any field.

Joe reflected on the cultural similarities between Germany and Wisconsin, particularly the straightforward and honest nature of the people. He also enjoyed the traditional German cuisine, which reminded him of his upbringing in Wisconsin—think bratwurst, sauerkraut, and hearty potatoes.
However, what he missed most about Wisconsin while abroad was the wide-open spaces and access to nature. “In Europe, there’s just not as much room to roam,” Joe said. “I missed being able to drive 30 minutes and feel completely remote.”

Back in Wisconsin, Joe is resuming his work with NFL media and continuing to build his business ventures, including Six Springs Hall of Fame Beef, his farm specializing in premium Angus and Wagyu beef.
“It started as a hobby, but it’s grown into something really special,” Joe explained. “We focus on raising our animals with care and providing the best quality beef you can find.”

From coaching in Europe to raising a family and running a farm, Joe Thomas embodies the values of hard work, resilience, and community. His conversation with Scott Kunes serves as a reminder that success is about more than personal achievements—it’s about making a difference in the lives of others.