From ELF to NFL: Players that made it happen

Since its founding in 2021, the European League of Football (ELF) has become more than just a regional competition - it has grown into a true launchpad for international talent aiming to reach the highest level of the sport. While the NFL remains the pinnacle of American football worldwide, the ELF has already proven that it can produce players capable of making the jump to professional football in the United States.

KaVontae Turpin: The breakthrough success

The most famous example is KaVontae Turpin. After a brief stint in 2021 with the Wrocław Panthers in Poland, Turpin’s explosiveness and versatility carried him through a journey across various leagues before finally landing with the Dallas Cowboys in 2022. In the NFL, he quickly established himself as a premier return specialist, earning Pro Bowl selections and even All-Pro honors. Turpin’s rise from the ELF to one of football’s biggest stages serves as a blueprint for what is possible.

Others following the path

While Turpin is the headline name, he is far from alone. Several other ELF standouts have been recognized through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program (IPP) and secured opportunities in the United States:

• Marcel Dabo – Defensive back for the Stuttgart Surge, later signed with the Indianapolis Colts on a reserve/futures contract and has spent time on their practice squad.

• Leander Wiegand – Offensive lineman who played for Cologne Centurions, Rhein Fire, and Munich Ravens, signed with the New York Jets in 2025 via the IPP.

• Adedayo Odeleye – Defensive end from Berlin Thunder, who transitioned into the NFL system through the IPP, spending time with NFL rosters and practice squads.

• Lenny Krieg – Kicker from Stuttgart Surge, picked up by the Atlanta Falcons in 2025 as part of the specialist class in the International Player Pathway program.

These cases highlight that the ELF is not just a stage for fans in Europe, but also a scouting ground for the NFL’s international expansion efforts. For American football players in Europe, the ELF offers high-level competition, and the possibility of getting noticed by NFL scouts. For the NFL, it provides a deeper pool of international talent ready to be developed.