The Special Teams Player of the Year Nominees
Felix Pahl
The ELF Honors return in 2025, taking place at Palm Beach in Stuttgart on the evening before the European League of Football Championship Game. On this night, winners in 13 categories will be crowned, celebrating the best players and coaches of the season.
One of those categories is the Special Teams Player of the Year Award. This award recognizes the best player on special teams. The recipient has excelled in roles like kicking, punting, or returning, making crucial plays that have helped the team win games.
Eligibility: All kickers, punters, and returners who participated in the ongoing ELF season are eligible to win this award.
Get your tickets for the ELF Honors here!
Here are this year’s nominees:
William Patterson, Returner - Prague Lions
William Patterson has already made a name for himself in the ELF with previous stints at Rhein Fire (2023) and the Madrid Bravos (2024). In his third season and with his third team, the Prague Lions, Patterson continued to deliver highlight plays.
The American, who played quarterback in high school before switching to wide receiver, has been used in multiple roles on offense and special teams. As a returner, his vision and elusiveness stood out once again, scoring three punt return touchdowns this season. With 465 total return yards, his value came less from volume and more from his big-play ability, making him a strong candidate for this award.
Devan Burrell, Returner - Helvetic Mercenaries
There seems to be no ELF season without Devan Burrell in the conversation for this award. Widely regarded as one of the most dangerous returners in Europe, Burrell consistently flips field position for his team and often takes the ball all the way to the end zone.
Even a mid-season team change did not slow him down. With 1,514 return yards and 3 return touchdowns, Burrell once again proved his elite talent as a game-changing returner.
Nazir Streater, Returner - Hamburg Sea Devils
Another standout this year was Nazir Streater of the Hamburg Sea Devils, who finished close behind Burrell with 1,511 return yards. While he did not score a touchdown, Streater was a constant threat, setting up his offense with excellent field position.
His average of over 31 yards per kick return was one of the best in the league, and his consistency throughout the season made him one of the elite returners in the ELF, earning him a well-deserved nomination.
Watch the Fire at Storm highlights here!
Big plays decide games
Special teams are often overlooked, but they can change the momentum of a game in an instant. Patterson’s highlight touchdowns, Burrell’s unstoppable production, and Streater’s consistency all show how important this phase of the game is. On the night before the Championship Game, one of these standout returners will be honored at the ELF Honors – but all three have already proven their ability to make the difference when it matters most.
More News