The Vienna Vikings have re-signed defensive linemen Oskar Kranich and Marvin Wappl, as well as edge rusher Leon Balogh for their 2023 campaign. Balogh and Kranich played a tremendous role in winning the Championship last year under still head coach Chris Calaycay. „Leon may not have had the numbers that we are used to, but make no mistake that he is a disruptive force on the edge.  He is one of those players that makes everyone around him better and when we need that big pressure in the 4th Quarter or in a big game, he seems to always find a way to make an impact play. It is a big win for our franchise to have #1 back on the field with us," said Calaycay about his defender. The former NFL-invitee had 10.5 tackles for loss and seven sacks in the period of 12 games.

Balogh: "Our goals are clear: Defend the title, and this time without losing a single game."

Rather small, yet so effective on the football field

Next to Leon Balogh, another long time Vienna Viking player re-signed his contract with the team: Defensive tackle Oskar Kranich. Chris Calaycay about his big man: "Oskar is just a pure technician. Not the biggest defensive tackle, but able to hold the point and split double teams. He is another one of those important guys in our defense that makes the whole thing work." At 1,90 m and 115 kg, he is rather small for a tackle, but worked perfectly in the Vikings' scheme under Calaycay with five sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.

Marvin Wappl, a long time veteran at 29-years old also got extended by the Vikings. "I think he found the fountain of youth, because he has put in an incredible off-season, is in great shape and is looking to make 2023 his best season yet." Calaycay mentioned.

All these three Austrian local heroes will try to go back-to-back.