Berlin Thunder: Struggling to find their way
Cara Iden
© Eric MühleBerlin Thunder belong to the founding franchises of the European League of Football, taking the field in the league's debut season in 2021. In their first three years, they showed steady improvement, which brought them to their first playoff appearance in 2023. Back then, they were eliminated in the Wildcard Round, but the direction of the franchise showed signs of progress.
After reaching that milestone, the team entered a phase of steady regression. The 2025 season marked a new low for the franchise, with a record of 3-9 and a last-place finish in the North Division behind newcomer Nordic Storm and established rivals Rhein Fire, and the Hamburg Sea Devils.
What went well?
Despite the disappointing record, the Thunder's offense offered some encouraging signs. Their passing game ranked among the best in the league, averaging 272.6 yards per game (3rd overall). Quarterback Jakeb Sullivan once again showed flashes of top-level play, throwing for 2.966 yards and 26 touchdowns, including two outings with over 400 yards.
Perhaps the brightest discovery of the season was wide receiver Tyler Foster. Only 20 years old, the German homegrown player established himself as a central figure in the offense. With 826 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, he became Berlin's most reliable target and was also honored as Rookie of the Year. His development not only marks a rare individual success but also provides Berlin with a genuine homegrown star to build around.
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What went wrong?
For all the positives in the air, the problems on the ground and on defense proved decisive. Berlin's rushing offense remained largely ineffective, producing just 96.6 yards per game – fourteenth in the league. Even more damaging was the defense, which gave up an average of 36 points per game (13th). While the unit was somewhat effective against the run (134.2 rushing yards allowed, 9th), the defensive backfield was repeatedly exposed. Opponents passed for 263.8 yards per game against Berlin (15th), often deciding games through big plays.
Sullivan's inconsistency also hurt the team. His 16 interceptions too often shifted momentum and left the defense in difficult positions. Two of Berlin's three wins came against Cologne Centurions, who finished winless, while the only other success was achieved against the Fehérvár Enthroners, a result later offset by an overtime loss to the same opponent in Week 13.
What comes next?
For Berlin, the outlook remains uncertain. A franchise that has been part of the ELF since its inception, patience is wearing thin. Berlin is no longer a newcomer learning the ropes of international travel and logistical demands. Instead, the Thunder are being overtaken by younger organizations that adapt faster and invest more effectively.
The franchise has to choose: make the necessary changes, particularly in defense and on the ground, or remain stuck among the league’s weaker teams.
The building blocks for recovery exist. Sullivan is still a capable quarterback, and Foster has the potential to become one of the league's stars, but the roster will need upgrades. Without these changes, Berlin risks staying anchored in the ELF's lower tier.
The Thunder now face a decisive offseason. Their future depends on turning passing highlights into balanced performances and finally building a defense that can withstand the pace of the league. Otherwise, their playoff run in 2023 may remain their only moment of glory for some time.
