In one of the more surprising moves of the season so far the Helvetic Mercenaries decided to cut All-Star cornerback Ken Hike Jr following the team's Week 5 loss to the Raiders Tirol.

Hike Jr, who was back for his second year with the Mercenaries, was surprised by the move. However, the veteran defender has a strong resume to lean on with 66 career tackles, 3 interceptions, and 18 pass break ups in 17 ELF games. With those numbers it didn't take long for the 2023 ELF All-Star to get in contact with another team. For the international veteran, Vienna was an easy choice.

"Vienna is a winning organization"

"From the moment they reached out to me I felt wanted, valued, and appreciated. Above all else Vienna is a winning organization, me being a winner that choice was a no brainer. The coaches, players, and staff greeted me like we have been together for years and in this game its hard to come across a system as strong and bonded as Vienna Vikings."

For the Vikings, the signing comes at a perfect time as both American defensive imports Exavier Edwards and Hunter Nichols missed Saturday’s game with injuries. Hunter Nichols recently underwent shoulder surgery and could be out several weeks.

"I think its a great fit for myself and the Vikings"

Along with a new city, team, and jersey, the Georgia native now goes from the winless Mercenaries to an undefeated Vikings team. While, it wasn't how he envisioned the season going, Hike Jr is embracing his new role on a championship contending team. 

"It feels great. But at the same time it wasn't the plan. So its bittersweet with how everything ended up happening. Other than that you couldn't ask for a better situation. I just think its a great fit for myself and the Vikings."

"It's a brotherhood here"

The 28-year old also reflected on his first few days in Vienna, and how his new teammates have helped him to accomodate in the Austrian captial and the Vikings organization. 

"It's a brotherhood here. Everybody has each others back and full support of one another. Being an American so far from home there is no other better place to be. You want to be surrounded by guys with the same mindset and grind as you have. So it has been nothing but love from the start. All that makes me want to go to battle with these guys anytime, anywhere!"

Ken Hike jr is set to make his debut for the Viking this Saturday as they take on their Austrian rivals, the 5-1 Raiders Tirol, in the "Battle for Austria" this Saturday evening at 18 CET.