The Vienna Vikings have added several homegrown talents to thier roster in preperation for the 2025 season. The Vikings in thier quest to win the ELF championship once again have added 5 rookies along with two veteran players to thier roster. 

The so-called homeGrown players will remain the heart of every team.

"We have outstanding home grown talent here in Vienna. The Austrian Vikings players are just tremendous. When I sit in my office taking a look at my roster whiteboard, I am very happy. “Not only were we able to extend contracts with key players, we even managed to add more high profile Austrian talent,” - Vikings HC Chris Calaycay

Promising Austrian Rookies

Quarterback Nico Hrouda who has been the team’s quarterback in the Austrian Football League the past few seasons. Last summer he led the AFL in passing with 2,405 yards and 27 touchdowns. Hrouda was named the 2024 League MVP of the AFL, leading the Vikings to teh championship game. 

He is joined by with WR Nils Keimel, DB Elias Allmer, defensive lineman Max Grünsteidl and Manuel Radfux will all make their ELF debut this season. 

“We are always on the lookout for the next great Homegrown Austrian to represent the Vikings at the highest level in Europe. Each year the talent in the Austrian League develops, we always scout for that next Noah Toure or Noel Swancar. These guys definitely have potential, we can’t wait to watch them developing.” - Chris Calaycay

Watch the ELF's signing center

Defensive line depth

The Vikings re-signed defensive lineman Florian Grünsteidl and Oskar Kranich.Kranich had 17 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks. The 25-year old has 10 career sacks for the Vikings since 2022. Florian Grünsteidl on the other hand has decades of experience at 42 years old, even at that age the 125 kg defensive tackle had 3.5 sacks and 11 tackles and 5.5 tackles for a loss last season. 

“These two add veteran depth andmake plays when called upon. For instance, Flo had his best statistical season in the league so far, coming up with sacks at the right moment,“ - Chris Calaycay

Get your ticket to the 2025 ELF Championship Game!