The Leipzig Kings’ defense just got even better. Swedish defensive back and returner William James has signed with the Leipzig Kings for the 2022 season, as reported by the German franchise.

“My goal is to elevate everybody around me to be the best they can be in order to put us in the best position to win every game we play”, James commented on his mindset for the upcoming season. He jokingly added: “In terms of general goals, I hate losing. That’s all. So, winning is more fun”.

After James attended the CFL Global Combine in 2021, CFL analysts talked about the Swedish playmaker as a top-three global defensive back. With 16 bench press reps and a 4.73 40-yard dash, James certainly impressed the Canadian scouts. In fact, he was drafted by the Montreal Alouettes with the 31st pick in the fourth round of in the 2021 CFL Global Draft.

However, James ended up playing for the Wroclaw Panthers in the European League of Football in 2021. In four games, the defensive back recorded 35 total tackles, one tackle for loss, two pass breakups, and defended two passes.

Leipzig Kings head coach Fred Armstrong is excited about the addition of James to his defense: “William James has proven that he is a top safety in this league, but his energy on special teams makes him one of the best football players in the European League of Football”.

With James joining the Kings, he has the chance to feed off a strong front-seven that features Jan-Phillip Bombek, Aslan Zetterberg, Myke Tavarres, and A.J.Wentland.

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