Stuttgart Surge - From early struggles to ELF champions

Since joining the European League of Football in 2021, the Stuttgart Surge have experienced one of the most dramatic transformations in European American football. From early struggles and winless seasons to lifting the ELF championship trophy in front of their home fans, their journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Let's have a look at the Stuttgart Surge through the years.

2021 - A rocky first season

The Stuttgart Surge entered the European League of Football in 2021 as one of the founding franchises. On the field, the team struggled to establish itself, finishing with a 2–8 record in the South Division. Despite their number of losses, the season marked an important foundation year, giving Stuttgart its first taste of ELF competition.

2022 - Hitting rock bottom

If 2021 was difficult, the 2022 campaign proved to be even more brutal for the Surge and their fans. The Surge endured a winless season, ending with a 0–12 record. Soon after the season ended, the franchise announced the hiring of head coach Jordan Neumann who soon should be rememred as the person to change the team's fate forever. 

2023 - The turnaround

A complete overhaul of leadership and roster structure transformed the Surge in 2023, starting with Jordan Neumann. Under new management and with a rejuvenated squad of players joing the Surge from all over Europe, Stuttgart delivered one of the league’s biggest surprises, posting a 10–2 record and winning the Central Conference. Their revival carried them all the way to the ELF Championship Game, where they ultimately fell 53 - 34 to Rhein Fire in Duisburg. Despite the defeat, Stuttgart’s rebirth sent a clear message: the Surge delevoped into serious contenders.

2024 - Building consistency

In 2024, Stuttgart proved that their breakthrough was no fluke. The team once again dominated the Central Conference, earning a second consecutive conference title and advancing to the semifinals. While they fell short of returning to the final, the season confirmed the Surge as one of the ELF’s most stable and competitive franchises.

2025 - Winning at home

The 2025 season became the crowning achievement of the franchise. Now part of the newly formed West Division, Stuttgart finished with another strong 10–2 record and secured their third straight division title. Their playoff run was marked by defensive brilliance, highlighted by dominating Semi-Final win over the Munich Ravens.

Last Sunday, history was made: Stuttgart hosted the ELF Championship Game at their own MHP Arena, defeating the Vienna Vikings 24-17. With eight sacks, disciplined defense, and clutch plays from Louis Geyer (three receiving touchdowns und Championship Game MVP), the Surge lifted their first-ever ELF championship trophy, completing one of the most remarkable turnarounds in European football history.

© Jonas Wicker / European League of Football