Surge builds dominant defensive line for 2025

The Stuttgart Surge is gearing up for the 2025 season with a powerful and experienced defensive line. Head Coach Jordan Neuman has brought back key players while adding new talent to create a unit capable of controlling the trenches and making life difficult for opposing offenses.  

Experienced leaders return  

Several core players from last season will continue to anchor the defensive front. Simon Butsch, who initially hinted at retirement, has decided to return, driven by his passion for the game and the ambition to win a championship at home. The 32-year-old veteran has been with Stuttgart since 2023 and brings years of experience, having won multiple German Bowls and CEFL titles in his career. Raphael Zistler also remains a key figure in the defensive line. Standing at 193 cm and weighing 136 kg, the former Schwäbisch Hall Unicorn and Karlsruhe Engineers standout has already played two seasons with the Surge and has gained international recognition with invitations to both the NFL and CFL International Combines.  

Key playmakers extend their stay

Alexander Kress is another familiar face returning to the team. After playing in 26 games over the past two seasons and contributing with solid defensive performances, the 30-year-old is set for another year in Stuttgart. Sadik Busch, who joined the team last season, has extended his contract after a strong debut year where he recorded multiple tackles for loss and sacks. Determined to leave a lasting legacy in Stuttgart, the young defensive lineman is ready to take the next step. Maximilian Dommermuth, who has been with the Surge since 2023, also returns. His motivation comes from the belief that the team is on the right path and capable of achieving great things in 2025.  

Leander Strathmann, who joined Stuttgart last year after playing in both Canada and the U.S., continues to add depth to the defensive unit. With experience at the Concordia Stingers and New Mexico Military Institute, he believes the team has yet to reach its full potential and is excited for what’s ahead.  

The Surge also secured the return of Chris Mulumba, a player with an impressive international football background. The Finnish defensive lineman played NCAA Division I football at Colorado, was part of the NFL International Pathway Program in 2020, and spent three seasons in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. His physicality and experience will be crucial in leading the defensive front.  

New faces strengthen the front  

While Stuttgart retains many key contributors, the team has also made significant additions to the defensive line. One of the most notable newcomers is Dominic Siegel, who arrives from the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns. Having won an ELF championship with the Vienna Vikings in 2022 and a German Bowl with the New Yorker Lions, Siegel brings championship experience and a relentless mindset. Another major signing is Berend Grube, a proven force in the ELF. With over 45 league games under his belt and a reputation as one of the most dominant linemen, Grube was an ELF All-Star in 2021 and ranked among the league’s Top 100 in 2023.  

Robert Lachmann adds another layer of talent to the Surge’s defensive line. The former NCAA Division II Defensive Player of the Year played college football in the U.S. before returning to Europe, where he spent the past two seasons with the Hamburg Sea Devils and Tirol Raiders. With his ability to get to the quarterback, he is expected to be a disruptive force in Stuttgart’s defense.  

Ready for the challenge  

With a mix of veteran leadership, young rising stars, and internationally recognized talent, the Stuttgart Surge has built a defensive line capable of dominating in the European League of Football. The team is focused on one goal — bringing home a championship. With a strong core and key reinforcements, Stuttgart is ready to take on the best offenses in the league and establish itself as one of the toughest defenses in 2025.