From the NFL to the ELF - New and returning names in 2022

When the European League of Football entered its second season in 2022, it again welcomed former NFL talent into its ranks. Some players returned from 2021, while others made their ELF debut that year after gaining valuable experience in the NFL. Two of those newcomers, Michael Sam and Reece Horn, brought interesting backgrounds and fresh energy to the league.

Michael Sam – Barcelona Dragons

Michael Sam made waves when he joined the Barcelona Dragons in 2022. Back in the NFL, he was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in 2014 and later joined the Dallas Cowboys (practice squad) before his NFL career ended. In Barcelona, he took on both a coaching and playing role: he was announced as assistant defensive line coach and also suited up to play defensive line that season.

His NFL background gave him credibility and leadership among his European peers, and he aimed to bring professional standards to Barcelona’s defense in the growing ELF framework.

Reece Horn – Frankfurt Galaxy

Reece Horn was another significant add in 2022. Though he never played a regular season NFL game, he was signed in offseason/practice squad stints by teams including the Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins, and Cincinnati Bengals.

The Frankfurt Galaxy brought him in mid-season to strengthen their offense. Horn made an immediate impact, catching passes, scoring touchdowns, and giving Galaxy a more dynamic receiving option. His transition from NFL fringe rosters to a starring role in ELF demonstrates how the ELF can give renewed opportunity to players with NFL pedigrees like Horn.

Returning NFL Veterans in 2022 who already played in the 2021 ELF season:

• Kasim Edebali (Hamburg Sea Devils) – former Saint, Bronco, Lion, Bengal
• Giorgio Tavecchio (Barcelona Dragons) – former Raider, Falcon, 49er
• Anthony Dablé-Wolf (Leipzig Kings) – former Giant, Falcon
• Darius Saint-Robinson (Wrocław Panthers) – former Buffalo Bill

© Schrick / Frankfurt Galaxy