Franchise player for the Swiss franchise! Defensive Tackle, 2022 European League of Football All-Star and NFL Prospect Tim Hänni signs with the Helvetic Guards coached by Norm Chow. The 26-year-old Swiss international was most recently with the Hamburg Sea Devils, collecting 41 tackles, six and a half sacks, 14.5 tackles for loss, as well as a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 12 games in 2022. At 1,96 m and 128 kg, it was hard to imagine Hamburg defensive coordinator Kendral Ellison's 3-4 defense without him.

"We are ready to compete"

"Tim is a great player, but even better person. He's exactly the guy we where looking for to lead our team into our inaugural season. We want to establish a good, competitve culture and Tim will be one of the leaders to set the tone in the locker room. Bringing Tim home to Switzerland shows everybody that we are ready to compete," Toni Zoeller, general manager of the Guards, commented.

MORE NEWS: Schürmann joins the Guards

A force to be reckoned with on the defensive line

Together with Evans Yeboah, Nelson Imasuen and Kasim Edebali he formed the most dangerous line in the league last year and was rightfully voted as a first-team "All-Star". Now, the star lineman is heading back home. He was already active with the Bern Grizzlies from 2015 to 2021 and will now meet up with old companions such as linebacker Andreas Buri and defensive end Dominik Liechti.  

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Performance meets talent

Defensivine line coach Bert Hill and defensive coordinator Otis Smith will have a lot of fun with the giant, as he was last invited to the NFL International Combine in London in October. Hänni is a likable guy and will directly become one of the faces of the Swiss football franchise. For the Sea Devils it is a bitter loss. For the Helvetic Guards, next to Maceo Beard or Liechti, Hänni will be a cornerstone and leader of the Swiss defensive bulwark.

Norm Chow holds high praises on Hänni

Head coach Norm Chow: "Tim Hänni signing with the Guards is an extremely important moment for us. He brings an experience playing at the highest level for one of the best teams in europe that will be invaluable to our team. He will become an instant leader of our team. His example of hard work and dedication will be an inspiration to our entire franchise and we are extremely proud to have Tim on board as we continue to grow our roster."