NFL to ELF: Former NFL player becomes MVP in 2025

The 2025 European League of Football season brought another strong wave of former NFL players to Europe. With different backgrounds, experiences, and motivations, these athletes continued to show how the ELF has become a serious destination for players who competed at the highest level. Here are a few of the most intriguing additions of last season.

QB Reid Sinnett – Madrid Bravos

Reid Sinnett joined the Madrid Bravos with one of the most seasoned quarterback resumes of any newcomer to the league. He spent time with the Buccaneers, Dolphins, Eagles, and Bengals, learning within multiple NFL systems. Sinnett is a smart, accurate passer who thrives in timing-based offenses. And in the ELF, he had the chance to fully run a team as its clear starter and face of the franchise. His arrival gave Madrid instant credibility and also earned him the MVP trophy in 2025. With almost 4.000 passing yards and 50 passing touchdowns to four interceptions, Sinnett more than earned his right to be called the "Most Valuable Player" in the European League of Football. 

S Aaron Maddox – Raiders Tirol

Safety Aaron Maddox joined Raiders Tirol after spending time with the Indianapolis Colts. Known for his aggressive tackling and instinctive play in the secondary, Maddox gave the Raiders a defender who can control the middle of the field. His college and early pro career were shaped by resilience. In 2025, the ELF offered him a new path to showcase his skill set. Maddox brought immediate edge and leadership to Tirol’s defense and ended the season with 61 total tackles in 11 games. 

DL Thomas Schaffer – Vienna Vikings

Defensive lineman Thomas Schaffer strengthened the Vienna Vikings after earlier time with the Chicago Bears. As one of the few Austrian players to reach an NFL roster, Schaffer carried both pride and responsibility into the ELF. His combination of size, power, and good technique gave Vienna an anchor in the trenches which was more then helpful for the playoff run. Returning to Europe as a former NFL player, he became a central piece of the Vikings’ defensive identity in 2025. 

Other Former NFL Players in the 2025 ELF Season:

• Sandro Platzgummer (RB, Frankfurt Galaxy) - Giants 
• Kennan Cole (WR, Helvetic Mercenaries) - Jaguars, Jets, Raiders
• Reece Horn (WR, Vienna Vikings) – Titans, Bengals, Dolphins (Practice Squad)
• Darrell Stewart (WR, Panthers Wrocław) – Panthers, Packers
• Marlon Werthmann (OL, Stuttgart Surge) – NFL IPP 2023
• Jeff Cotton (WR, Stuttgart Surge) - Jaguars, Cardinals, Dolphins
• Micah Leon (QB, Hamburg Sea Devils) – Dolphins (Practice Squad)
• Channing Stribling (CB, Frankfurt Galaxy) – Browns, Colts, 49ers, Chargers, Commanders
• Shyheim Battle (CB, Frankfurt Galaxy) – Jets Rookie Minicamp 2024
• Steven Nielsen (OL, Frankfurt Galaxy) – Jaguars (2020)
• Terry Wright (WR, Frankfurt Galaxy) – Seahawks, Steelers, Dolphins (Practice Squads 2019–2020)
• Brandon Polk (WR, Berlin Thunder) – Rams

© Paula Romo / Madrid Bravos

On photo: Bravos QB Reid Sinnett