Star receiver Cruickshank: "I want to show the world who I am"

Aron Cruickshank, the outstanding wide receiver of the Madrid Bravos still has a clear eye on the playoffs. "Our division is very strong and very competitive, every game matters," he said ahead of the Week 7 matchup against the Hamburg Sea Devils (Saturday, 15:00 CET). "From our team it will take everyone buying in and doing their part to the best of their abilities."

Candidate for "Offensive Player of the Year"

His performance so far this season has been truly exceptional. 827 receiving yards means a clear lead in this league ranking. He is also being mentioned as a frontrunner for "Offensive Player of the Year". In an interview with europeanleague.football, Cruickshank said, that his performances in the league "are something that motivates me, because I want to show the world who I am."

Watch Cruickshank's Top Plays here!

Dynamic duo: Cruickshank and Sinnett on fire

One of the reasons for his good stats is also the special and productive connection with quarterback Reid Sinnett. In the last three games, the duo has scored eight touchdowns. When asked what sets them apart from other duos in the league and what he expects from the rest of the season, Cruickshank said: "Reid and I know what it takes to be great - he has more experience than me at the highest level, but we both have high standards for each other. So it’s really doing our job to the best of our ability while having fun."

NFL experience

Another reason for his good performance are his physical abilities. His style of play is fast and physical. His strengths include playing bigger than his frame and making contested catches, which are his specialty. Combined with his ernormous speed and his ability to see gaps and take advantage of them, this is a perhaps unique combination in the league. "What sets me apart from other ELF players is my experience and knowledge of football and playing at the highest level," he says. The American from Brooklyn, N.Y., played Division I football at Rutgers University in New Jersey and, after graduating, trained with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears. He was also under contract with the Bears.

"Get back on the right track"

Next up is the game against the Hamburg Sea Devils (Saturday, 15:00 CET). After a narrow win over them in Week 1, the Madrid Bravos - led by Cruickshank and Sinnett - are aiming to raise the bar in the rematch. The goal, as he puts it, is "to show the ELF that we’re way better than what we produced in Game 1 - and to get back on the right track."

Aron Cruickshank used last week’s bye to "reflect on a good first quarter of the season, to catch up on sleep and really just take care of my body so this next quarter can be even better."

Follow Cruickshank throughout the season. Don’t miss a single game – get you Game Pass now!