Justin Rogers was one of the Stars of the ELF during the 2021-2023 seasons. The former UTEP NCAA DI Miner came to Germany for his first pro-season joining the Hamburg Sea Devils for the ELF’s inaugural season.

The ELF's first season

The 2021 season ended in heartbreak for Rogers and the Sea Devils faithful as they lost the Championship game by a narrowly missed field goal.

Even so Rogers looks back fondly on his first season in the ELF and his experience as a All-Star.

“My favorite ELF memory is probably the First ELF championship weekend into All Star Weekend. My family being able to come to Europe for the first time and then playing in a “All time classic” football game that came down to the very end. As well as the All Star weekend where I met and played with the nest of the European and American players, it was truly an unforgettable experience.

Another run at the title

Rogers returned to the Hamburg Sea Devils in 2022 as they went to the title game again, this time loosing to the Vienna Vikings. Over his two seasons in Hamburg Rogers had 74 tackles, 10 interceptions, three blocked kicks, 15 pass break ups, and 1,707 return yards and 6 touchdowns (2)

ELF to XFL

The season didn’t go unnoticed by American scouts as Rogers was drafted by the Orlando Guardians in the XFL draft. From there Rogers played in 9 games in US pro-league serving as a safety and punt returner.

The move showed once again that ELF players can make the jump from the ELF to other pro-league in the US and be ready to make an impact. 

Following the XFL season Rogers wasted no time returning to the ELF, this time joining the Munich Ravens. Rogers helped earn Munich a winning record in their first season with 35 tackles and two interceptions. 

From player to coach

These days Rogers is still around the game, trading in his cleats for a headset. The former ELF All-star has taken a position as the defensive backs coach at Sul Ross State University in California. Even from thousands of miles away Rogers keeps up with the ELF throughout the busy summer:

“I absolutely still keep up with the league. Being on the forefront of the league is a beautiful thing to see the development of the league. I love and am a fan of the ELF. Hopefully in the future I can be more involved in the league someway somehow!”

Rogers credits the ELF for helping develop himself both as a football player and as a person. The experience of living abroad and seeing new cultures is not one that is lost on him.

“Playing in the ELF was pivotal for me, personally and professionally. Being on the other end of the world is such an eye opening experience and completely transformed who I am as a person and brought me friends and relationships that I hold dear to me and will carry for the rest of my life.”

 

“Professionally, it was equally as eye opening. I learned how large the “Pro Football” world is outside of the NFL. Prior to that, I believed that all good football players went to the NFL and the ELF showed me how untrue that statement is.”

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