Rhein Fire just made history, winning back-to-back titles. One of the stars of the season and even more in the Championship Game was Kelvin McKnight Jr. The speedy receiver made a huge impact in the Championship Game running the ball, returning kicks, and catching deep passes. 

Before dominating the ELF Championship Game, McKnight was a standout at Samford University and played in the NFL, CFL, and XFL. 

College days in Alabama

After playing high school in his home state of Florida, McKnight committed to Samford University, a DI FCS school in Alabama. During his time playing for the X he made an immediate impact, winning his conference's rookie of the year award in his first year. Later on in his decorated college career, the speedy Floridian made it to the All-Conference team twice and the All-American team during his senior season. 

During his college time, one of his teammates was safety Omari Williams. The two often went against each other in practice, never imagining that they would be playing together again one day in Germany. Williams is already playing for Rhein Fire since 2022.

Watch Kelvin McKnight Jr's pre-season interview on ELF Live

NFL and Pro Experience

Following a dominant senior season, McKnight was picked up by the Denver Broncos following the NFL draft. However, he was released in the team's final cuts. McKnight was picked up one month later by coach Bill Bellichek and the New England Patriots. Yet a few weeks later, he was back in Denver with the Broncos, joining their practice squad. 

McKnight went on to spend the next two seasons playing in the CFL for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, making 19 catches for 93 yards. 

In 2023, he signed with the XFL's Seattle Sea Dragons, where he shined in his role as a kick returner, leading the league in kick return yardage.

Reunited with college teammate in the ELF

In 2024, McKnight connected with his former teammate Omari Williams and joined the power house Rhein Fire in the ELF. 

In only nine regular season games, McKnight made a big impact in the receiving and return game for the Fire, racking up 1,169 all-purpose yards. The season ended on a high for him as he and Omari Williams were crucial parts in the Rhein Fire repeating as ELF champions. 

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