Vienna Vikings re-sign All-Star linebacker | European League of Football

One of Europe’s best players is coming back for another year! Dominant middle linebacker Thomas Schnurrer re-signed with the Vienna Vikings.

Four-time defensive MVP

Schnurrer is one of the most fearsome defensive players in all of Europe. The 28-year-old started playing football in 2009 for the Graz Giants youth team and became the best linebacker in all of Austria by 2016. After being the AFL Defensive MVP in four-times in a row from 2016 to 2019 and leading the league in tackles in 2019 and 2021, Schnurrer left the Graz Giants and joined the Vienna Vikings for their first season in the European League of Football.

In his first season with the Vikings, Schnurrer picked up where he left off. The Austrian standout racked up 104 tackles along with seven tackles for loss, one forced fumble and two interceptions. The First-Team All-Star played a vital role in the Vikings’ championship game triumph over the Hamburg Sea Devils, in which he neutralized MVP nominee Glen Toonga with 13 tackles.

Thomas Schnurrer was arguably the best linebacker in the European League of Football last season. ©Hannes Jirgal

“One of the most dominant players in Austria ever[…]”

Thomas Schnurrer has high ambitions for the upcoming season:

„I’m happy that I am back with the Vikings to compete for another championship. I think we can again be considered as a contender. Our goals stay the same: Play great defense and go 1 and 0 every single week. My personal goals are simple: Have fun with my teammates on the field and show the league what that Austrian football is all about. Again! “

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Vikings head coach Chris Calaycay who coached against Schnurrer for many years in the AFL, knows the value of his middle linebacker:

"After being one of the most dominant players in Austria ever, Thomas stepped into the European League of Football and instantly made his impact known. He is one of the most instinctive players I have had the pleasure to coach, but more importantly, his personality and leadership brought this defense to be one of the top in the league. His signing for the 2023 season reflects his passion for the game and to this team."

With another franchise cornerstone returning, the Vienna Vikings are once again looking like an early favorite for the European League of Football Championship.