The Stuttgart Surge are extending their arguably best defensive player. Sasan Jelvani will play another season for the 2023 runners-up.

Homegrown standout

Sasan Jelvani started playing youth football in 2009 and showed promise early on. By 2014, Jelvani had won a Junior Bowl and played for the German youth national team at the world championship. He made his senior debut during the 2014 GFL season and quickly proved that he was here to stay. After leading the Saarland Hurricanes in tackles, tackles for loss, and sacks in multiple seasons, the 2021 GFL All-Star was set to join the Leipzig Kings, before rupturing his bicep in training camp.

Outstanding debut season

After his recovery, Jelvani, who is a surgeon, signed with the Stuttgart Surge for the 2023 season, where he proved to be a difference maker immediately. He led the team with 10.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss, while also recording 63 total tackles and forcing two fumbles. The 28-year-old was selected as a Second-Team All-Star and was a key piece of the Surge team that made it to the Championship Game last year.

Will he have the same level of success in 2024?