One of the original stars of the ELF, Marcel Dabo, was back in his hometown of Stuttgart to promote the ELF's 2025 Championship Game to be played in Stuttgart's MHP Arena on September 7th. 

Dabo of course was one of the league's biggest success stories, playing for the Stuttgart Surge in 2021 and using his talent to make the NFL through the NFL's "International Player Pathway Program". He has spent the last three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and will be playing in Berlin with them in the upcoming season. When asked about the success of his old team, the Surge, Dabo shows that he's actively routing for many of his old teammates.

"Heart in Stuttgart"

"Even though I am not here anymore, my heart is still in Stuttgart. When I played here in 2021, it was a little different. It is unbelievable to see how the team has developed."

Looking back at what the ELF has done for Dabo and many other players, giving them a platform to develop their game, is crucial to Dabo.

"I am extremely thankful. It doesn't matter how talented you are, if you don't have a platform to showcase your abilities. If this platform doesn't exist, then it's even more difficult. The chance to play against future and former NFL players in the ELF is extremely valuable."

"It is great to see the game growing every year"

In Indianapolis, Dabo is somehow an ELF ambassador and example of how the game has grown internationally. Dabo is one of three players with ELF experience to play in the NFL during the 2024 season. The young ELF player doesn't shy away from his connection to the league when working in the NFL. 

"I am the unofficial ELF ambassador in the Colts' locker room", he says with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. "Many NFL players are aware of the ELF and have family members or former teammates that have played in Europe. It is great to see the game growing every year."

Watch the 2025 ELF Championship Press Conference Here

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