From the NFL to the ELF - More NFL veterans joined the ELF in 2024

The European League of Football grew since its inaugural season back in 2021. After three full season, the 2024 season marked the season with the most NFL experienced players joining the league. Let's find out what former NFL players joined the ELF in the summer of 2024: 

Kelvin McKnight Jr. – Rhein Fire

Kelvin McKnight Jr. arrived at the Rhein Fire in 2024 as a former practice-squad player for teams like the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots. His explosiveness as a receiver and returner, especially in the 2024 ELF Championship game, underline how his NFL background translates into big moments. McKnight’s signing is a clear indicator of how the ELF is became a serious destination for players with U.S. pro experience.

Aaron Donkor – Rhein Fire

Linebacker Aaron Donkor signed with Rhein Fire in 2024 after his journey through the NFL’s International Player Pathway at the Seattle Seahawks. As a German-born athlete, Donkor’s presence adds home-grown international flavour with premium experience. His role in the Fire’s roster emphasised the ELF’s ability to attract talent who gained valuable experienced in the United States and then return back to home to furhter develop the game. 

Connor Wedington – Cologne Centurions

Wide Receiver Connor Wedington signed with the Cologne Centurions for the 2024 season after time with the Houston Texans and other NFL teams. A former Stanford standout, Wedington brought skills at the receiver position which were valuable for the Centurions on and off the field. 

Joshua Flowers – Munich Ravens

The Munich Ravens added cornerback Joshua Flowers in 2024, previously signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2022.  Flowers’ college and brief NFL stint give him a strong defensive foundation. His European debut showed how players from NFL practice squads can become stars in the ELF. 

Jordan Genmark Heath – Paris Musketeers

The Paris Musketeers signed Swedish linebacker Jordan Genmark Heath for 2024. His high-level U.S. college career at Notre Dame and UCLA gives him a strong profile. With his multi-national background and experience, Genmark Heath represents the growing trend of European players with American pro or near-pro experience bridging into the ELF.

Levi Lewis – Barcelona Dragons

Levi Lewis joined the Barcelona Dragons in 2024 after an early career with the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted quarterback. At the University of Louisiana, he set the school record for passing touchdowns, and then brought that experience to Europe. 

Returning NFL Veterans in 2024, that already played in the ELF at least for one year:

• Anthony Mahoungou (Paris Musketeers) – former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver
• Reece Horn (Vienna Vikings) – former Titans, Dolphins, and Bengals wide receiver
• Sandro Platzgummer (Frankfurt Galaxy) – former New York Giants running back
• Darius Saint-Robinson (Munich Ravens) – former Buffalo Bills defensive back

© Aileen Uzoma / Rhein Fire