The Vienna Vikings have signed the next players to their defense. Defensive back Florian Albrecht signs a new one-year contract. Linebacker Sebastian Ernst even stays for another three years. The team from Austria therefore retains two more homegrowns.

A special season awaits Albrecht. The 32-year-old was one of the first three players the Vikings signed for their adventure in the ELF in 2022. During the first game of the season, the cornerback suffered a serious injury.

He had to undergo several surgeries. He fought his way through rehabilitation for around a year and a half. Albrecht missed the entire 2023 season and then made his emotional comeback in week 5 of last season.

Great joy after dream comeback

The Vikings continue to commit to him and extend his contract. Much to the player's delight: “I am very pleased to extend my contract for another year and thus continue to be part of the Vikings Family,” says Albrecht.

He adds: “Everything is just right here, starting with the organization, the coaches, my teammates and of course the best fans in the league. In the offseason I will do everything I can to prepare so that I can support the team in the best possible way next year. I look forward to being back on the field and enjoying the stadium atmosphere next year! Go Vikings!”

Vikings head coach Chris Calaycay is also delighted with the return: “I am happy that Florian extended with us. After his horrible injury in the very first franchise game in 2022, he had to take some time off, and it took him more than one and a half year to recover and to get back on the field. His comeback is a story of courage, hard work, overcoming obstacles."

Calaycay explains: "We all love these stories. They are inspiring, motivational. In 2024, he already played a vital role in the Vikings secondary, and I know he will continue to do so in 2025.”

Special team player Ernst stays for a long time

In addition to Albrecht, the Vikings also extended their contract with linebacker Sebastian Ernst. In addition to a backup role in the defense, the 26-year-old is an important part of the special teams. Ernst will stay with the Vikings, for whom he has played in three ELF seasons so far, for another three years.

“For me, there is only one team And that's the Vienna Vikings The 2025 season will be all about hard work, dedication and passion, and I am excited that there will be two more following being a Viking”, says Ernst about the extension.

Coach Calaycay is also happy: “We are glad to have signed a veteran like Sebastian for the upcoming three seasons. Besides being a great special teams player, he is giving us depth and peace in the linebacker crew. I am looking forward to seeing how he develops with his speed and athleticism on the field.”

The Vienna Vikings continue to try to keep their players around. Albrecht and Ernst are not the first contract extensions this offseason. 

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