A hometown kid is returning to Cologne. Former Buffalo Bulls linebacker Fabian Weitz is signing with the Centurions. The 25-year-old linebacker started his football journey in 2010 with the Cologne Falcons, before joining the Crocodiles, where he became one of the most sawn after prospects in Germany. During his time in the Crocodiles’ youth program, Weitz and his team made the Junior Bowl three times in a row, winning two of them. After also playing for the junior national team, Weitz made his GFL debut in 2017, recording 14 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks and an interception in only five games.

In 2018, the 1,83m tall German accepted a scholarship offer from the University of Buffalo, where he played in 27 games over the five years as outside linebacker and on special teams. Now, Weitz is returning to his hometown to take the field together with his younger brother Lennart, who was a Rookie of the Year nominee in 2021. 

"One of European footballs best linebackers"

Centurions athletic director David Drane has high praise for his new player: "Fabian Weitz is one of European footballs best linebackers. He was an amazing junior player during his time in Cologne and then having played five seasons at the University of Buffalo in the NCAA Division 1, he is like an extra American import on the field. Fabian is hoping to attract the attention of the NFL Pathway program, and I think if he plays the way we know he can, he'll get the attention he wants. It’s a great time to get this type of addition to our team as we begin the second half of our season."

Weitz himself, is more than happy to take the field for the Centurions: "I am looking forward to be a part of the Cologne Centurions and excited to represent my hometown after playing college football in the US. Representing my community on a professional level has always been a dream of mine, and I am humbled and grateful for this opportunity. Playing for my hometown holds a special significance for me, since it is an opportunity to give back to the community that has supported me from the early days of my football journey. The fans are the heart and soul of this team, and I cannot wait to step onto the field in front of them. I will help the team in any way possible and I am ready to get to work with my teammates, coaches and the staff."