Rhein Fire - Are they ready for the three-peat?

With our new article series, we introduce all 16 teams of the European League of Football for the 2025 season. Today, we take a closer look at Rhein Fire, the reigning back-to-back champions, as they prepare to defend their title and aim for an unprecedented third consecutive championship.​

A new leader under center

Rhein Fire has seen significant changes in their roster this offseason, particularly at the quarterback position. With the departure of Jadrian Clark, the team has brought in a new American quarterback to lead the offense. Former Munich Ravens quarterback Chad Jeffries will take over the quarterback duties for the reiging champions in 2025. Over the past two seasons, the experienced veteran ranked amongst the top quarterbacks in the ELF. But will he be ready to fill the shoes of ELF passing leader and former MVP Jadrian Clark?

Adding to the wide receiver room, Rhein Fire signed former University of Pennsylvania receiver Rory Starkey jr. At 189 cm, the former IVY league standout is a physical pass catcher who hopes to become a go-to guy for quarterback Chad Jeffries.

Homegrown Talent - Harlan Kwofie commits long-term

In a historic move, wide receiver Harlan Kwofie has signed a five-year contract extension with Rhein Fire over the offseason, marking the longest player commitment in ELF history. The 25-year-old German has been a pivotal part of the team's success since joining in 2022. Despite injuries in the previous season, Kwofie's contributions, including multiple playoff touchdowns, have solidified his role as a key offensive weapon. Kwofie ranks amongst the top homegrown wide receivers in the ELF and will showcase his abilities once again in the upcoming season. 

Alongside Kwofie, Rhein Fire was able to resign former Massachusetts defensive tackle Hugo Klages for the upcoming season. Klages were pivotal for the team’s success in the regular and post season back in 2024. Now, they are primed to lead Rhein Fire to their third straight championship run over the past three seasons. 

European imports - Former Vikings WR Jordan Bouah joins champions 

To compensate for the loss of key players like MVP Glen Toonga and wide receivers Anthony Mahoungou and Nathaniel Robitaille, Rhein Fire has strategically added European talent to their lineup. A notable signing to highlight is Italian wide receiver Jordan Bouah. Bouah was a standout wide receiver for the Vienna Vikings over the past three seasons. Now, the twitchy wide receiver and deep threat is joining Rhein Fire on their mission to “three-peat”!

Coaching continuity with former 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula

Head Coach Jim Tomsula, renowned for his NFL experience, including a tenure with the San Francisco 49ers, continues to lead Rhein Fire. Under his guidance, the team has achieved remarkable success, securing two consecutive ELF championships. Tomsula's emphasis on resilience and adaptability has been instrumental in shaping Rhein Fire's competitive edge. 

However, the Fire lost their offensive coordinator Andrew Weidinger who took over head coaching duties for the Madrid Bravos in Spain. Will the Fire be ready to compensate his loss offensively? 

Can Rhein Fire achieve the three-peat?

As Rhein Fire embarks on the 2025 season, the challenge of defending their title looms large. With a roster featuring both seasoned veterans and promising new talent, the team is poised to make a strong bid for a third consecutive championship. However, the evolving dynamics of the league and strengthened competition mean that Rhein Fire must remain vigilant and cohesive to maintain their dominance in the ELF, despite departues from key players and coaches. 

© European League of Football / Rhein Fire