Kyle Kitchens has achieved almost everything on an individual level in the European League of Football. The defensive end has been one of the most dominant pass rushers since entering the league in 2021. In 45 ELF games, Kitchens recorded over 200 tackles and an impressive 60 sacks.

Just last season, he set a new single-season record with 16.5 sacks. In doing so, he surpassed the previous record by 0.5 sacks - which he set himself in 2022. In his four years in the league, Kitchens was selected to the All-Star team four times. He was also named Defensive Player of the Year three times.

In the new exclusive ELF interview format One on One, the 29-year-old explains what continues to drive him despite the individual awards. 

Kitchens missing championships

“Winning the championship, trying to get the core all together to win the whole thing,” he explains. The US American has not won a league title so far. He made his debut for the Leipzig Kings, followed by three years with the Berlin Thunder. Thunder only made it to the Wild Card Round in 2023, which they lost to Frankfurt Galaxy by a clear margin of 3:20.

Kitchens does not draw motivation from his own goals. Instead, he draws strength from the team sport: “What's the point of playing football if you're just going to care about your individual goals? It's all about the team goals and everybody sharing the same trophy, same experience together.”

He adds: „It's good with the individual goals, but it's better when you're holding up the championship because everything plays a part. The organization, the coaches, the team, the staff, the people behind the scenes, all that, and everybody get to just hold up that one big old trophy.”

Watch the full interview!

Opportunities exist

This offseason, Kitchens joined the Hamburg Sea Devils. Not the only good move by the German team, which is hungry for success after a disappointing season without a playoff appearance in 2024. 

In addition to Kitchens, the team was strengthened with several new players. Furthermore, many talented homegrown players remained. In Shuan Fatah, one of the best coaches in Europe was hired, and a competent coaching team was built around him. 

The Hamburg Sea Devils are preparing for a big battle with the goal of winning the first ELF title in franchise history. On board: A highly motivated Kyle Kitchens, who wants to help his new team to success.

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