The Vienna Vikings have announced four players returning for the second year of their two year contracts. All four of these Vikings were part of the 2024 team that went 13-1, making it all the way to the ELF Championship game. Like many returning players to the Vikings these four veterans are excited to "run it back". 

These players that include former NFL, CFL, and D1 player Thomas Schaffer, and veteran defensive linemen Marvin Wappl and Florian Sudi, along with linebacker Moriz Elmauthaler. 

Schaffer returns bringing size and pro experience

Thomas Schaffer returns to the Vikings for his second season after racking up 22 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 5 tackles for a loss, and one blocked kick last season. The 201 CM and 140 kg defensive lineman brings massive size and even bigger pro experience playing the Ottawa Redblacks in the CFL as well as the Chicago Bears in the NFL, following a standout career at Stanford Unviersity. Schaffer commented on his return to the Vikings.

"Obivously, my goal is to bring the ELF Championship to Vienna in 2025! The coming season will probably be the best in the history of the league. We are expecting a tough season and even more demanding playoffs. But we are setting the right and important course this off-season and I'm really looking forward to being on the field with the boys!"

Schaffer, like many fans, see's massive potental in the 2025 ELF season as scheduling changes and player moves have opened the league up to let competition thrive:

"Overall, the schedule across the league is very balanced this year - so it will be exciting. But having a revenge against Rhein Fire during the regular season is an absolute highlight for me."

"Thomas did an amazing job for us last season but he had to deal with some injuries. This year he’ll come into the season ready to go and we’ll be one of the most dominant inside players in the ELF, solidifying our interior. He is a tough man to handle." - Vienna Vikings head coach Chris Calaycay

More reinforcements on the defensive line

Along with Schaffer the Vikings also get back Marvin Wappl and Florian Sudi. Sudi, 27, played both tight and and defensive line for the Vikings in the past and has been with the team since 2022, winning the ELF title that season. Last season he had 2.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for a loss. All in all he has 55 tackles, 3 sacks, and 11.5 tackels for a loss, along with two catches and a touchdown on offense in his ELF career. 

Florian Sudi is an all-around big man weapon for us. He plays on both sides of the ball and his size and power gives opposing offense and defensive line problems. He is still untapping his football potential and we expect great things from him in 2025." - Vienna Vikings head coach Chris Calaycay

Wappl, 30, was also a member of the 2022 ELF title team, last season the 186cm and 100kg veteran had 5.5 sacks and a impressive 10.5 tackles for a loss for the Vikings, marking career highs during his time in the ELF. The experienced defensive end hopes to build on that momentum in 2025.

"Marvin Wappl was a consistent edge player for us in 2024. It looks to build on the success he had last season. We are a multitude of guys that had four more sacks and he adds playmaking depth to the defensive end in position." - Vienna Vikings head coach Chris Calaycay

Moriz Elmauthaler returns at linebacker

The 25-year old linebacker returns to Vienna. The Vikings veteran has played in 15 games for Vienna's ELF team since 2022 helping the team out on defense and special teams. The young talent has 46 total tackles in his career along with 3 tackles for a loss, a forced fumble, and pass break up. Look for him to play a bigger role on the Vikings in 2025, as he continues to recover from a knee injury. 

"Moriz is one of the smartest inside linebackers I’ve been around. He is a hard hitting interior linebacker that adds to our special teams play. Finally a full season away from his knee injury, we look for Moriz to contribute to our defense and special teams." - Vienna Vikings head coach Chris Calaycay

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