"Let's stick with what has worked" - a completely normal approach that many teams, players and fans know and use. This is probably exactly what the Wroclaw Panthers' management were thinking when they considered filling the quarterback position.

With the signing of Demarcus “DJ” Irons, they are following this approach. Similar to John Uribe and Josiah Norwood, who played for the Panthers last season, Irons can also be classified as a dual-threat quarterback. In other words, a signal caller who is good with his arm and his feet.

Something that has worked well with the Panthers' strong running game in the past. Although they missed out on the playoffs, they secured second place in the Eastern Conference.

Irons' influential college years 

He showed that he can run and pass in the USA at Grayson High School, Iowa Central Community College and the University of Akron. In his three years at Akron, he recorded 4219 passing yards, 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also had 825 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns.

A time in which he learned different leadership styles: "if that was talking to a player one-on-one or walking through anything that's not quite make sense. I also learned that this game has never changed, meaning everyone does the same things to prepare for a game day in and day out, therefore you have to put in overtime field work and film study to outsmart your opponent", Irons explains.

Irons in the dress of the Akron Zips - the University of Akron. ©Worclaw Panthers

Coach Kool as a signpost - "We just had a genuine connection"

Now the step from college to Europe. A new chapter that Irons is looking forward to: “I am definitely planning on getting up to Europe as soon as I can and getting squared away with everything so that I can return to the game I love."

The Panthers are his first team outside his home country. Not an easy task. Head coach Craig Kuligowski played a major role in his decision: "The first reason why I chose the Panthers was Coach Kool! We just had a genuine connection from the jump and have had history playing against each other," says the QB. Like Irons, Kuligowski also has a long college past. He has coached programs at Toledo, Alabama, Miami, and Missouri.

However, the coach is not the only reason for Irons' move to the Panthers. "It also was just a great fit for me with the information I was given and what I have found on my own," says the 24-year-old.

Irons: "I expect very competitive games"

The young US player has great expectations of his new place of work: “I expect very competitive games, from what I have watched and I expect to learn different perspectives of the game and how others see the game from the way I do.”

He doesn't expect too much of a difference between American and European fans: “Honestly, from what I've seen the European fans are very in-tune to the game and show lots of love. So I would definitely say they can keep up!”

In Wroclaw, Irons has signed a contract until December 2025 and therefore for the entire next season. It will be exciting to see how the newcomer will present himself in his unfamiliar surroundings. And, of course, if coach Kool sticks with the old system or tries new ways to make the most of Irons.

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