Meet the Munich Ravens: Young talent, big goals for 2025

With our new article series, we’re introducing all 16 European League of Football franchises for the 2025 season. We highlight the top stars every fan should know. Today, we take a look at the Munich Ravens, who are heading into their third ELF season after a strong 2024 campaign and their first-ever playoff appearance.

Big changes after a successful season

Last season, the Ravens impressed with strong performances on both sides of the ball. They reached the playoffs, losing a close Wild Card game to the Paris Musketeers. Their defense was a highlight — ranking 4th in points allowed and 1st in total yards allowed. Offensively, they were the second-best scoring team in the league.

Despite this success, the team had to replace many key players in the off-season.

Russel Tabor is the new QB1 of the Munich Ravens. ©Jim Hawkins / Inside Carolina

Young QB to replace star veteran

One of the biggest losses was quarterback Chad Jeffries. Jeffries joined the Ravens in their first ELF season and was a key player for the team. He was an MVP nominee in 2023 and played very well in 2024, before signing with Rhein Fire this offseason.

To replace him, the Ravens turned to young talent Russel Tabor. At just 22 years old, Tabor played college football at North Carolina (NCAA Division 1). Last season, he played for Osos Rivas in Spain, where he led the league in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and total touchdowns — guiding his team to a championship.

Wael Nasri has the second-most tackles in ELF history. ©Roland Johannes

Defensive star Wael Nasri returns

One of the best tacklers in ELF history is staying in Munich: Wael Nasri. The French linebacker has been in the league since 2021, playing for Berlin Thunder and Frankfurt Galaxy before joining the Ravens. He was an All-Star in 2021 and made the Second Team in 2023. Nasri has the second-most tackles in ELF history and is a key leader in the Ravens' defense.

Cole Coleman is now hunting for interceptions with the Ravens. ©Hannes Jirgal

NFL experience for the secondary

To improve the secondary, the Ravens signed Cole Coleman. Coleman brings NFL experience, having been part of the Indianapolis Colts. He also played three games for the Vienna Vikings in 2024, where he showed his talent with several tackles, pass deflections, and an interception he returned for 39 yards. Coleman will help lift the Ravens' pass defense to the next level.

Coaching stability with Kendral Ellison

At head coach, the Ravens continue with Kendral Ellison, who joined before the 2024 season. Ellison is a defensive-minded coach who previously worked as defensive coordinator for the Hamburg Sea Devils, where he built one of the best defenses in the ELF. 2025 will be his second season as Ravens head coach, and his fifth year coaching in the league.

With exciting new talent and strong leadership, the Munich Ravens are ready to take the next step and compete for a championship in 2025.

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