"Remember Him?": Timothy Knüttel - one of ELF’s first great receivers
Felix Pahl
For many newer fans of the European League of Football, the name Timothy Knüttel might not immediately ring a bell. But those who followed the league in its first two seasons remember him well - a German-American wide receiver who dominated defenses and helped set the early standard for elite pass-catchers in the ELF.
From Berlin to America and back again
Knüttel was born in Berlin before moving to the United States with his family at the age of five, where he first discovered football and played the sport in high school.
In 2011, he returned to Germany to begin a vocational training program as an industrial mechanic and continued playing with the Franken Knights, further developing his skills as a receiver.
He later returned to the United States, where he not only continued his studies but also played college football - first at Modesto Junior College and then at Seton Hill University, gaining valuable experience and competing at a strong level.
Early ELF dominance with the Leipzig Kings
Before joining the European League of Football, Knüttel played for the Potsdam Royals in 2019.
When the ELF launched in 2021, he became one of the first standout receivers with the Leipzig Kings, recording an impressive 51 receptions for 701 yards and 12 touchdowns. His performance immediately put him on the map as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons.
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Fire’s playmaker and one unforgettable game
In 2022, the Rhein Fire signed Knüttel for their inaugural ELF season, and he continued to deliver. He finished the year with 57 catches for 688 yards and 7 touchdowns, proving again that he was one of the most reliable receivers in the league.
His highlight moment came against the Istanbul Rams, where he produced one of the greatest single-game performances in ELF history: 15 receptions, 260 receiving yards, and 4 touchdowns - a game that fans still talk about today.
A shot at the CFL and a new career path
After the 2022 ELF season, Knüttel was signed by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League toward the end of their season. Although he did not remain with the team long-term, he participated in team activities and was part of the organization as it went on to win the 2022 Western Conference Championship.
Released in early 2023, Knüttel shifted his focus toward his business, Strive Elite Athletics, where he now works as a virtual fitness coach, helping athletes and clients reach their performance goals.
A name worth remembering
Although Timothy Knüttel’s time in the ELF was brief, his impact was undeniable. His early performances helped shape the identity of the league’s passing game and set a benchmark for receivers who followed.
Today, he might be out of the spotlight - but for fans who watched the league’s first chapters, Knüttel remains one of the early stars who helped bring European football to life.
