Young and athletic. Those are two attributes that describe defensive back Fabio Tartarotti and defensive lineman Moritz Schmahel.

Both players have officially signed with Vienna Vikings to be part of the 2022 season in the European League of Football, as the team announced.

“These two homegrown talents transfer to the Vikings looking to make a statement about football in Austria,“ Vikings head coach Chris Calaycay noted. “Coming from outside the Vikings organization, they are taking the next steps in their football careers looking for that international competition. Both of these guys have national team experience at the junior level and men’s team and come everyday to take their game to the next level. I am excited to watch them grow and develop as players in the European League of Football".

Defensive back Tartarotti started his active career back in 2011 with the Mödling Rangers and fought his way up to now play on the highest level of American football in Europe. “I think that every athlete looks for a challenge and to compete against the best of the best. And the European League of Football offers the strongest competition. Without a doubt”.

Just like Tartarotti, Schmahel is excited to join one of the best American football organizations in Austria. “In my opinion, the Vikings always proved to be the best football program in Austria. Now, I want to prove that Vienna football is the best in Europe […]”.

Both players add to a defense that already features standout athletes like Leon Balogh, Blake Nelson, Exavier Edwards, and other top-notch talents. Having said that, the Vikings are on the brink of creating one of the most dangerous defenses in the European League of Football this upcoming season.

More news around the Vikings here!