From ELF to NFL: Atlanta signs Stuttgart kicker Lenny Krieg
ELF Communications
The dream of playing on the biggest stage in his sport has come another step closer for Lenny Krieg. After the kicker from Stuttgart Surge was accepted into the NFL's International Player Pathway Programme (IPP) and has impressed at the NFL Combine, the 22-year-old has now been signed to a three-year contract by the Atlanta Falcons. Stuttgart Surge confirmed the move.
"His hard work has paid off"
"Lenny Krieg has made outstanding progress in the ELF and has been a formative player for Surge and our league over the past two years. We are very happy for him that his hard work has paid off and that we were able to offer him a stage with the ELF to recommend himself for the jump to the NFL. He is a great role model for all talented players in Europe", says Patrick Esume, Commissioner of the European League of Football.
In the 2024 regular season, Lenny Krieg scored a total of 99 points for the Surge, putting him in first place among kickers in the league. He converted eleven of 16 field goals (68.75 per cent) and 66 of 75 points after touchdown (88 per cent), making him one of the most efficient kickers in Europe and attracting the attention of NFL scouts.
Impressive performance at NFL Combine
Krieg then showed his best side at the Combine, where he was the only kicker not to miss a single attempt on a total of 14 kicks from distances between 35 and 55 yards, recommended himself for the IPP and ultimately secured a three-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons. In Georgia, the Berlin native is hoping for his breakthrough in the NFL. After Marcel Dabo, who is currently with the Indianapolis Colts, Lenny Krieg is now the second player to make it from the Stuttgart Surge to the NFL.
The 2025 ELF season kicks off in mid-May with 16 teams from nine nations: Defending champions Rhein Fire, Berlin Thunder, Hamburg Sea Devils, Munich Ravens, Stuttgart Surge, Frankfurt Galaxy, Cologne Centurios (all Germany), Vienna Vikings, Raiders Tirol (both Austria), Fehérvár Enthroners (Hungary), Panthers Wroclaw (Poland), Prague Lions (Czech Republic), Helvetic Mercenaries (Switzerland), Madrid Bravos (Spain), Paris Musketeers (France) and newcomer Nordic Storm (Denmark).