Where RB Madre London’s departure leaves Cologne Centurions backfield

One of the most electrifying and dominant players of the 2021 season will not return to the European League of Football this season. After his impressive MVP-campaign, American running back Madre London has signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Maulers in the USFL for 2022.

Former Cologne Centurions RB Madre London on the field against the Stuttgart Surge. ©Sarah Philipp

“We are happy but at the same time sad,” Centurions general manager David Drane stated when asked about London’s departure. “Madre [London] was one of the stars of the European League of Football last season and helped to put the Centurions into the playoffs. He is a great guy off the field, a humble hard-working player and I wish him all the best as he takes another step in the direction of his athletic goals. He will always be a Centurion and we wish him all the best”.

Certainly, London’s 303 carries for 2244 rushing yards in just ten games will be hard to reproduce in 2022 without the reigning league MVP. However, the Centurions have signed two promising German running backs in the off-season who now have a chance to jump at the opportunity of an increased workload.

Dean Tanwani and Toby Nick are both running backs who are not only capable to share this immense workload, but who could have break-out years in 2022 as well.

As a response to him signing with the Centurions, Tanwani announced that he is ready to play. “I am more than motivated and ready to go”. The long-time Cologne Crocodiles running back will provide the Centurions with a lot of experience, leadership, and athleticism!

Toby Nick is also an experienced running back who started his football career with the Assindia Cardinals back in 2011. Centurions’ general manager David Drane was excited when his team announced the signing of Nick. “Toby [Nick] brings some experience to our offensive backfield. He is a physical specimen and is all about football”.

Although it seems worrying for Centurions fans that the reigning league MVP of 2021 will not return in 2021, the German franchise already has two talented playmakers ready to take on a larger role. According to the Centurions, the franchise is currently in talks with an American import player to absorb the departure of London as well. “Of course, we will be announcing our 4th American import [player] soon […],” general manager Drane revealed at the end of his statement.

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