It's unusual that the quarterback isn't the first thing that catches your eye when you look at a football roster. In the case of the Frankfurt Galaxy, however, this could turn out to be a stroke of luck. Apart from having recently strengthened their squad with former NFL running back Sandro Platzgummer, one connection immediately stands out: Quarterback Luke Zahradka is reunited with wide out Markell Castle.

Markell Castle is ready for another step, leaving the Ravens and joining the Galaxy in 2024. © Steve Bunkahle

 

Offensive connection with potential

Zahradka, an Italian-American, has already played quarterback at various clubs and countries in Europe. These include Germany, France, the Czech Republic and most recently Italy. In 2017, he joined the Milano Seamen in the IFL. Alongside Zahradka, one of the Seamen's key success factors was Markell Castle, who dominated the league. They parted ways in 2023.

While Zahradka had a rather less successful season with the Seamen, winning just two games, Castle narrowly failed to make the playoffs with the Ravens. A year later, they are back with the same team. The duo is set to become one of the most dangerous in the league, or so the Galaxy hope.

Zahradka to lead the Galaxy into 2024. © Fiona Noever

Spotlight on the wide receiver rather than the quarterback

Markell Castle, who also stood out as a leading player at his previous stops in Europe and was recently named Offensive Player of the Year, is now arriving in the Main metropolis. Zahradka, who threw for 3,518 yards and 25 touchdowns last year, is expected to put him in the spotlight. This is also dependent on the new offensive coordinator in Frankfurt, Frank Roser. At 32 years old, the quarterback is one of the oldest in the league. How much title potential does he still have?