"Third time's a charm" - Wentland's long road to "Defensive Player of the Year"
Florian Puth
© Aileen UzomaIt was a moment he had been waiting for a long time: A.J. Wentland has won the Defensive Player of the Year award at the ELF Honors 2025 for the first time in his career. For the 30-year-old linebacker of the Wroclaw Panthers, the award crowns a season in which he once again led the entire league in tackles with 144 – including seven for loss and two forced fumbles.
This performance further underlined Wentland's role as the leader of the Panthers' defense. Over his ELF career, he has now recorded 582 tackles. In 2024, he even set a new single-season record with 164 tackles.
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"Third time's a charm" - Wentland’s long road to the award
Remarkably, Wentland had already been nominated for the award three times before finally claiming the trophy in his third attempt. He prevailed against strong competition, including Hamburg Sea Devils pass rusher Kyle Kitchens, a three-time winner of the honor, and Prague Lions safety Lautaro Frecha, who played a key role in his team's first-ever winning season.
Wentland's acceptance speech made clear how much the moment meant to him: "Third time's a charm," he said, reflecting on his previous nominations. He adds: "I know my dad's watching from above, and I work hard every day for my family and my friends." Wentland thanked the Panthers organization and owner Mr. Tarczyński, his family, his girlfriend, and his coaches, including head coach Craig Kuligowski.
A face of ELF defense
Wentland has been one of Europe's most consistent defenders for years. His strengths lie above all in reliable tackling and run defense. This season alone, he recorded ten stops on third downs – decisive plays that often determined the outcome of a drive.
His career path took him from the Dresden Monarchs to the Kuopio Steelers, the Swarco Raiders, and the Leipzig Kings before joining Wroclaw in 2023. With four ELF All-Star selections and now the Defensive Player of the Year award, he has long been one of the defining figures of the league.
"Thanks to everybody. It's such an honor, and I'm so proud. The journey continues," Wentland concluded his speech. For the Panthers leader, the award is not a final destination but another milestone in an impressive career.
