Former NFL players leaving their mark in the ELF

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European League of Football

When the European League of Football launched in 2021, its growth over just a few seasons has attracted talent not only from Europe but from the United States of America, including players who have had stints in or around the NFL. Among those making the jump are former Madrid Bravos quarterback Reid Sinnett, former Bravos wide receiver Aron Cruickshank, former Vienna Vikings Reece Horn, and former Frankfurtg Galaxy wide receiver Channing Stribling. Each brought a unique background and set of ambitions to the ELF, and each has left his mark in different ways.

Madrid Bravos - QB Reid Sinnett

Reid Sinnett, a quarterback who had prior exposure in NFL camps and spring leagues, signed with the Madrid Bravos in the ELF and quickly became one of the league’s most electrifying talents.

In his ELF debut season, Sinnett threw for 3,953 yards and 50 touchdowns, while completing over 72 % of his passes and tossing just four interceptions.His performance earned him the ELF MVP tropy for the 2025 season, and he led Madrid to a playoff berth in his very first year in the ELF. Before coming to Europe, Sinnett had bounced between NFL practice squads and alternative leagues, aiming for a chance to be a starting quarterback somewhere. In the ELF, he has established himself not only as a statistical juggernaut but as one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

Madrid Bravos - WR Aron Cruickshank

Aron Cruickshank joined the ELF as a wide receiver for the Madrid Bravos, pairing with Sinnett in what the team marketed as a dangerous import duo. Before Europe, he spent time training with NFL clubs like the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers, and had played at Rutgers in college.

In the 2025 ELF season, Cruickshank broke the single-season receiving touchdown record (18) and set new marks for receptions (122) and receiving yards (1,729) in one season, earning him the criple-crown titel of "Offensive Player of the Year" honors. His work with Sinnett was specifically cited by Sinnett himself during the MVP ceremony as key to the Bravos’ success. Cruickshank’s immediate impact in the ELF underscores how the league can both spotlight and amplify emerging talent with prior NFL connections.

Vienna Vikings - WR Reece Horn

Reece Horn’s transition into the ELF is somewhat more gradual, but no less impressive. Horn had multiple NFL tryouts and stints in alternative U.S. leagues. He first played in Europe with teams like the Milano Seamen and Vienna Vikings before the ELF existed, and later joined Frankfurt Galaxy in 2022.

In his first ELF season with Frankfurt, he caught 39 passes in 8 games for 683 yards and 11 touchdowns. Last season, Horn reached a career milestone by scoring his 50th ELF touchdown across seasons, becoming one of the few players in the league’s history to hit that mark. His consistency, presence, and leadership have made him a steady pillar of offense for the Vienna Vikings.

Frankfurt Galaxy - DB Channing Stribling

Channing Stribling entered the ELF more recently, signing in March 2025 with Frankfurt Galaxy as their final A-import signing. Stribling’s background is rich: he played college football at Michigan, went undrafted in 2017, and had spells on the practice squads of multiple NFL teams alongisde the Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts and San Francisco 49ers. Beyond the NFL, he also played in the AAF, CFL, XFL, USFL and UFL.

He came into the ELF with a deep resume and hopes to bring veteran leadership to Frankfurt. However, midseason he was placed on injured reserve after five games, during which he had recorded three interceptions.

Though his on-field contributions in 2025 were limited by injury, his presence in the Galaxy roster signaled a continued strategy by ELF teams to bring in experienced U.S. defensive backs who can mentor younger players and raise the competitive ceiling.

Using the ELF as a stepping-stone

Seeing players like Sinnett, Cruickshank, Horn, and Stribling make the move from the NFL to the ELF shows how much the ELF has grown in just a few years. These guys are not just filling roster spots, they are putting up big numbers, making highlight plays, and giving fans reasons to tune in every weekend. Their stories prove that the ELF can be more than a stepping stone; it’s becoming a place where talented players can shine, build a career, and keep football fun and exciting on a global stage.