Hennessey’ last dance: A career-defining game

He’s back for this moment! Quarterback Reilly Hennessey and his Stuttgart Surge have the chance to make history on September 7, 2025, at 3 PM CET. For the first time, a team from the European League of Football (ELF) will play a Championship Game in their own city. Facing the Vienna Vikings, the Surge also have the opportunity to win the first ELF title in franchise history.

Hennessey’s Return: The key to Stuttgart’s success

Hennessey has waited a long time for this – and that’s why he returned. The American originally planned to end his career years ago. Rumors began circulating after the 2024 season, but the Surge managed to keep their most important player, largely thanks to the chance to compete in a Championship Game at home.

Since joining Stuttgart in 2023, Hennessey has delivered consistently. This season, he threw 182 passes for 2,176 yards and 27 touchdowns with only ten interceptions. He also added 120 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, including two crucial scores in the semifinal victory against the Munich Ravens.

Watch Surge's Semi-Final highlights here!

From college to Italy to Germany: Hennessey’s journey

Hennessey initially intended to retire after college. In an interview with Stuggi.TV, he revealed that a call from Italy changed his plans: “I think just the magic of Italy, was what brought me out there, less the football.” With the Parma Panthers, he became Italian champion and even played for the Italian national team at the IFAF European Championship.

In 2022, Hennessey joined the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, winning both the German Bowl and the CEFL Bowl XVI. Now, the big prize in the European League of Football awaits – the perfect crowning of his career.

And what comes next? “It’s definitely a question I avoid. I love football; it’s given me so much. Not only experiences, but also friendships,” says Hennessey, who turns 30 in November. He is in the prime of his career but is already thinking ahead: “I am certainly at a point where I am ready to start something new.” Despite his ongoing passion for the sport, he acknowledges: “We all grow up at some point.”

Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game