Frankfurt Galaxy

One of the headlines of the ELF off-season was the Paris Musketeers signing Jack Del Rio as their next head coach. The story made waves across the football world as the ELF and the Musketeers were able to convince the former superbowl winning coach to come to France. “Yeah, Jack Del Rio is obviously a household name in the NFL. He's been a coordinator, been a head coach in the NFL. To me, it speaks volumes about the quality of the league and it's a testament to what the franchises have done in order to convince somebody of his magnitude to come over and be the head coach.” -Commissioner Patrick Esume   Jack Del Rio & Jim Tomsula ELF fans know Del Rio isn’t the only former NFL head coach in the league as Jim Tomsula has led the Rhein Fire to back to back titles in his three years in Düsseldorf. Now the former San Francisco 49ers coach leads the Fire into 2025 without MVP quarterback and running back Jadrian Clark and Glen Toonga, giving the Fire and Tomsula new challenge: “It’s consistency again that keeps you still up there. And the consistency is Jim Tomula and his coaching staff, right? Richard Kent, tremendous coach. So, I think that these two gentlemen, they're going to put a very good football team on the field that's well coached. They might not be as strong as the two years before, but they're going to be up there again.” Along with Del Rio and Tomsula, the ELF has several coaches with NFL experience including new head coach of the Frankfurt Galaxy Bart Andrus, who spent 5 seasons as an assistant coach in the NFL, as well as coaching in the CFL and USFL.  Other coaches in the ELF this season with NFL experience include: Berlin Thunder: OL coach Art Valero Nordic Storm: Head coach John Schoop & defensive coordinator Brandon Noble  Prague Lions:  DB coach Darqueze Dennard  Madrid Bravos: Head coach Andrew Weidinger, defensive coordinator Jim Collins Fehervar Enthroners: Head coach Mark Ridgley Raiders Tirol: Head coach Jim Herrmann, offensive coordinator Charlie Eger, and RBs coach Terry Malone  Hamburg Sea Devils: Defensive coordinator Ray Woodard Helvetic Mercenaries: DL coach Nordly ‘Cap’ Capi  Vienna Vikings: Analyst Norm Chow and kicking coach Giorgio Tavecchio

In April, we are revealing the Top 100 graded players of the 2024 European League of Football season, based on SportsMetrics' advanced evaluation system. These rankings are based only on on-field performance — including consistency, impact, and position-specific stats. Today, we take a look at the players ranked from #20 to #11. #20 Daniel Bartmann  Although it was a tough season for the Frankfurt Galaxy, defensive lineman Daniel Bartmann still had a great individual year. The German defender stood out with 42 tackles, 5 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 1 forced fumble, which he also recovered. Leander Wiegand delivered strong performances at the IPP Program. ©IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire #19 Leander Wiegand  Leander Wiegand is one of the best offensive linemen in Europe. His great performances earned him an invitation to the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. At the Pro Day, he showed his strength and even outperformed many college stars in the 100kg bench press test. #18 Austin Mitchell  Austin Mitchell had a nearly perfect first season in the ELF. Together with quarterback Zach Edwards, he formed a dangerous duo. One highlight was his game in Week 2 against the Hamburg Sea Devils, where he had 152 receiving yards and scored 4 touchdowns. #17 D’Wayne Obi  British running back D’Wayne Obi impressed in his first ELF season. He helped the Bravos reach the playoffs and finished as the fourth-best running back in rushing yards, with 10 rushing touchdowns. #16 Jonathan Falk In his final ELF season, Jonathan Falk showed once again how good he is. He was named Homegrown of the Year and made the First Team All-Star list. Despite a tough season for the Mercenaries, Falk finished strong and earned the #16 spot. #15 Markell Castle  The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year continued his strong form in 2024. Castle was second in receiving yards and tied for third in catches. Whether in trick plays, big gains, or short screens, Castle was always a key playmaker. Aleksandar Milanovic is no longer part of the Vienna Vikings. ©Hannes Jirgal #14 Aleksandar Milanovic    One of the best European offensive tackles, Aleksandar Milanovic, ended his career after the 2024 season. He helped lead the Vikings to the Championship Game and was awarded "Man of Honor of the Year" for his leadership on and off the field.  #13 Reece Horn  Reece Horn joined the Vikings during the season but quickly became one of the top receivers in the league. He finished third in receiving yards and catches. The Vikings worked hard to keep him for 2025, and with QB Ben Holmes, he’s expected to score many touchdowns. #12 Johannes Zirngibl  Johannes Zirngibl had a strong season with the Munich Ravens. He helped lead a tough defense that created the sixth-most turnovers in the league. His performance was a big reason for the team’s defensive success. #11 Zach Edwards  Although Zach Edwards has decided to take a break from football, his 2024 performance was outstanding. He was named Offensive Player of the Year with the second-most passing yards, third-most passing touchdowns, and was also one of the top rushers in the league. Edwards truly delivered in every way. Stay tuned as we continue to count down the Top 100 players of the 2024 ELF season — with more stars, stats, and stories to come!Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

The European League of Football will soon be entering the new season. Will Rhein Fire make the three-peat? Who are the new stars of the teams? Questions upon questions. The teams have to answer many of them on the pitch, while we answer others in our “ELF Wire” format. Preparations for fith season of league history are in full swing. The teams have been practicing for a few days now and the final deals are being finalized. Over the past weeks and months, the front offices have worked hard to present the best possible roster for the upcoming season.    These are now almost completely finalized. Most of the spots are taken. Only a few announcements are still missing, so stay tuned and follow our channels and those of the teams closely.  The Opening Weekend will then begin on May 17th with the games Wroclaw Panthers vs. Ferhervar Enthroners, Paris Musketeers vs. Rhein Fire and Madrid Bravos vs. Hamburg Sea Devils. You can find a complete overview of all games here. Be ready. Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

In April, we are revealing the Top 100 graded players of the 2024 European League of Football season, based on the advanced evaluation system by SportsMetrics. These rankings reflect pure on-field performance, with position-specific stats, consistency, and impact across the season. Today, we take a look at players ranked #60 to #51. #60 Devin Taylor The US cornerback did not make it easy for opposing receivers last season. The 27-year-old recorded twelve pass deflections and two interceptions for the Raiders Tirol. His strong athleticism also allows him to be repeatedly integrated into the pass rush during blitz plays. #59 Hugo Tekedam Tekedam is extremely flexible. The 23-year-old Frenchman can play both quarterback and wide receiver. Last season, he performed impressively as a wideout for the Paris Musketeers. Tekedam caught 48 passes for 761 yards and four touchdowns, making him the team's second-best receiver behind Austin Mitchell. Consequently, the Musketeers extended his contract. ©Werner Thorenz. #58 Kelvin McKnight Jr. What does a team need to win a championship game? That's right, also a good receiver, and one of those is former NFL-Wideout Kelvin McKnight Jr.. His almost 700 receiving yards and six touchdowns from the regular season were joined by another 200 yards and a touchdown in Rhein Fire's extremely successful playoff run. ©Hannes Jirgal 57 Ben Holmes Rhein Fire defeated the Vienna Vikings in the championship game. But the fact that the Austrians were there at all is also thanks to quarterback Ben Holmes. The US import knew how to impress. The management was also impressed, so they extended Holmes contract this offseason. ©Hannes Jirgal #56 Kevin Kaya Even if the season didn't quite go as expected for Frankfurt Galaxy, wide receiver Kevin Kaya was able to impress. The 30-year-old caught 50 passes for 768 yards and six touchdowns. Kaya also signed a new contract. ©Kevin Reuss #55 Lucas Harting Candido Last season, the young and agile running back made his breakthrough with the Hamburg Sea Devils. Time and again, the 22-year-old found gaps in the opposing defense and was able to contribute four touchdowns. He was also repeatedly integrated into the Sea Devils' passing game. #54 Stanley Zeregbe The 28-year-old Frenchman was a difference-maker in the Paris Musketeers' defensive line last season. Zeregbe started every game and recorded 37 tackles, including 10.5 for loss and eight sacks, by far the most on his team. The Musketeers can also count on Zeregbe's services next season - he signed a new contract. ©Maxime Le Pihif 53 Robert Werner Last season, Werner scored 91 points for the Munich Ravens. That's right, 91! Making the 36-year-old German the second-highest scorer of all kickers in the league. Only Lenny Krieg from Stuttgart Surge scored more, and he is now under contract in the NFL. 52 Gerald Ameln Five games and a touchdown in each one: running back Ameln seemed to be a part of an otherwise rather unlucky team. The 23-year-old from the Cologne Centurions caught another touchdown through the air. The Homegrown still has potential and will prove it next season at Frankfurt Galaxy, where he signed this offseason. 51 Louis Geyer The wide receiver has been a true great in the ELF for years. At Stuttgart Surge, he became a cruicial red zone talent who achieved great things last season. Geyer not only caught 13 touchdowns, but also became the all-time receiving leader in the European League of Football, as well as making two appearances on the 2023 and 2024 All-Star teams. As a reward, he was invited to the Canadian Football League Combine. ©Svenja Sabatini Stay tuned as we continue to count down the Top 100 players of the 2024 ELF season — with more stars, stats, and stories to come! Don't miss a single Game - Get your Game Pass!

In April, we are revealing the Top 100 graded players of the 2024 European League of Football season, based on the advanced evaluation system by SportsMetrics. These rankings reflect pure on-field performance, with position-specific stats, consistency, and impact across the season. Today, we take a look at players ranked #70 to #61. #70 Darragh Leader  Darragh Leader was a scoring machine for the Raiders Tirol. The Irish kicker was one of the most reliable in the ELF last season. Whether it was a field goal or an extra point, Leader got the job done. His accuracy gave the Raiders a strong boost in close games. For now, it’s still unknown where he’ll play in 2025. Stanley was one of the best receivers last season. ©Roland Johannes #69 Malik Stanley  A well-known name across the league, Malik Stanley showed once again why he's one of the ELF’s top receivers. Despite playing fewer games last season, the American wideout still finished with elite numbers for the Munich Ravens. His ability to make big plays secured him a well-deserved spot in the Top 100. #68 Jakob Sullivan  Jakob Sullivan is a true ELF veteran and a former champion. The American quarterback led the league in passing yards in 2024. While the season didn’t go as planned for Berlin Thunder, Sullivan proved that he remains one of the top QBs in Europe. Joc Crawford plays for the Mercenaries in the 2025 season. ©Eric Ribé #67 Joc Crawford  Even at age 37, Joc Crawford keeps performing at a high level. Last season, he played for the Milano Seamen and brought energy and power to their offense. For 2025, he joins the Helvetic Mercenaries, showing no signs of slowing down. #66 Isaiah Weed  Another exciting addition for the Mercenaries is QB Isaiah Weed. Known for his dual-threat ability, Weed can beat defenses through the air and on the ground. His explosive style made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch last season. #65 Ryan Rimmler  Ryan Rimmler had a tough start to the season, but he improved each week. His biggest moment? A record-breaking 60-yard field goal — the longest in ELF history. That one kick alone made headlines across the league. The Hamburg Sea Devils got top cornerback Roedion Henrique. ©Petra Kutasi #64 Roedion Henrique  Henrique is one of the most consistent defensive backs in the league. Last season with the Enthroners, he made several big plays and proved once again why he’s a top DB. For 2025, he’s headed to the Hamburg Sea Devils to bring experience and leadership to the secondary. #63 Martin Pinter Martin Pinter made a name for himself last season with the Cologne Centurions. His ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback caught the attention of the Frankfurt Galaxy, who signed him for 2025. Pinter brings toughness and production to an already strong defense. #62 Sandro Platzgummer  The former New York Giants running back showed his elite talent in the ELF. Platzgummer was a key part of the Galaxy’s offense and formed a strong duo with QB Matthew McKay. In 2025, he'll team up with Gerald Ameln to create a dangerous backfield. Marius Kensy wants to win the third title in a row for Rhein Fire. ©Fabio Deinert #61 Marius Kensy Marius Kensy was one of the best linebackers in the league last season. With 94 tackles and 2 sacks, he played a big role in Rhein Fire’s Championship-winning season. He’s back for 2025 and ready to lead the defense again. Stay tuned as we continue to count down the Top 100 players of the 2024 ELF season — with more stars, stats, and stories to come! Get your tickets for the Championship Game in Stuttgart!

In April, we are revealing the Top 100 graded players of the 2024 European League of Football season, based on the advanced evaluation system by SportsMetrics. These rankings reflect pure on-field performance, with position-specific stats, consistency, and impact across the season. Today, we take a look at players ranked #80 to #71. #80 Hugo Dyrendahl What a rookie year for the 26-year-old. The linebacker was able to establish himself right away with Frankfurt Galaxy, starting all twelve games and recording 135 tackles. He even made it to the All-Star team. Despite his big role, Dyrendahl had to answer the call of home. The Swedish native will play for Nordic Storm next season. #79 Juan Flores-Calderon In a rather disappointing Milano Seamen team, Flores-Calderon was a real bright spot. The 21-year-old wide receiver collected 732 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. The 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year will also be seen in the ELF next season. But then with the Madrid Bravos. ©Sergio Bisi. #78 Ken Hike Jr. The free safety joined the Vienna Vikings late after spending some time in Switzerland, but still had a direct impact. Especially in terms of turnovers. In five games, he made two interceptions, forced a fumble and recovered three more. He also had eleven pass deflections. Next season, Hike Jr. will prove this talent with the Prague Lions. ©Alexandre Bertrand. #77 Krzystof Wis The middle linebacker is one of the cornerstones of the Wroclaw Panthers' defense. Together with superstar A.J. Wentland, Wis makes life difficult for opposing running backs. The 37-year-old veteran recorded 78 tackles, including ten for loss and 6.5 sacks last season.  #76 Jakub Smutný Defensive tackle Jakub Smutný also likes to bring running backs to the ground. The 28-year-old Czech had his breakthrough last season and more than doubled his number of tackles. The Prague Lions rewarded this with a contract extension. ©Jakub Platenik #75 Nicolas Khandar After a rookie season with only four games as a backup, the running back celebrated his breakthrough last season. The 31-year-old recorded 686 rushing yards and four touchdowns. After two years with Stuttgart Surge, the Frenchman returns to his home country and joins the Paris Musketeers. 74 Flamur Simon What a year for Flamur Simon. The linebacker established himself at Rhein Fire, became a starter, put in outstanding performances and played a big part in Rhein Fire celebrating their second ELF Championship title in a row. So it's no wonder that the German extended his contract this offseason. ©Lina Bollig #73 Raul Cernuda Pastor Raul Cernuda Pastor showed potential with the Barcelona Dragons in 2023 and performed well with the Madrid Bravos in 2024. The homegrown tight end established himself as a starter and contributed five touchdowns. The 28-years-old even made it to our Homegrown Team of the Year. 72 Luke Glenna The US import was an important cornerstone of a strong Madrid Bravos defense. As a result, the safety was selected to the All-Star team — just like the year before for the Barcelona Dragons. Now the 25-year-old is ready for a new adventure and joins Nordic Storm. ©Maxime Le Pihif #71 Nicolai Schumann The Berlin Thunder homegrown is one of the best tight ends in the league. The 33-year-old veteran has already been voted onto the ELF All-Star Team twice. Don't miss a single ELF Game — get your Game Pass!

The 2025 ELF season is approaching quickly as we have just 5 weeks to go until kickoff. With the excitement of the new season there has been a ton of buzz around the new wave of talent coming into the league bringing with it more NFL experience. HC Jack Del Rio - Paris Musketeers The longtime NFL head coach was easily the biggest splash signing of the off-season. Del Rio was a NFL head coach for 12 seasons winning 93 games and making four playoff appearances. The NFL player turned head coach is best known for spending 9 seasons as the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003 - 2011.    QB Reid Sinnett - Madrid Bravos It is very rare in Europe to have a quarterback who spent a significant amount of time in the NFL. Sinnett spent time with 4 different NFL franchises.  Sinnet shuffled between on the active roster during the regular season and the practice squad for the Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, and Philadelphia Eagles. He also was a starter in the XFL and UFL before signing with the Bravos this off-season.  WR Keelan Cole - Helvetic Mercenaries While many ELF players come to the league with experience from NFL minicamp or pre-season, Cole brings a new level to the league. The speedy pass catcher played 7 seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Jets, amassing over 3K total yards and 15 touchdowns.  Keelan Cole's playmaking ability and impressive NFL career raised eyebrows around the league as he announced he would be joining the Mercenaries.    DB Channing Stribling - Frankfurt Galaxy Stribling is reunited with head coach Bart Andrus in Frankfurt, the two worked together in the USFL previously as Stribiling was an All-Star for the league’s Philadelphia Stars. Stribling, a former Michigan defensive back,  has a long career bouncing between the NFL, CFL, and other pro spring leagues such as the AAF, USFL, and UFL.  Overall he spent time with 6 NFL teams since 2017 playing in the pre-season and practice squad.  WR Aron Cruickshank -  Madrid Bravos Cruickshank impressed scouts with a solid career at Rutgers and Wisconsin playing both receiver and kick returner. Following the 2024 NFL Draft he was signed by the Chicago Bears. Cruickshank was however released, and then played one preseason game in late august for the Pittsburgh Steelers before being waived.  WR Rory Starkey Jr. - Rhein Fire Starkey is a big body receiver who put up impressive numbers at his Pro Day, including a 4.45 40-yard dash, a 36-inch vertical jump, and a 10 '3 broad jump. He signed with the Green Bay Packers spending the off-season there, before moving on to the UFL in 2024.   WR Terry Wright - Frankfurt Galaxy Wright played for Galaxy head coach in the USFL in 2022, prior to that he spent time on the practice squad with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, and Seattle Seahawks. The former Purdue receiver also played in the CFL and UFL most recently.  DB Aaron Maddox - Raiders Tirol Maddox played for the University of Colorado and Campbell University before spending some time with the Indianapolis Colts. Get Your Ticket to the 2025 ELF Championship game!  

In the coming month of April, we will be releasing the top 100 graded players of the 2024 season according to sportsmetrics. The grades reflect the individual's performance on the field. Grading System for Players and Teams SportsMetrics Grades evaluate both individual players and teams based on their performance in a single game as well as the entire season. The grades are designed to provide an accurate and comprehensive assessment of a player’s performance in different categories such as passing, rushing, receiving, defense, and kicking. Each category is further divided into player positions, such that each player’s performance is evaluated against other players in the same position. The grades are designed to be scalable for different player positions, meaning that a linebacker’s performance is compared to other linebackers in each category. Weighted Metrics Each category in the SportsMetrics grading system sets different weights on statistical in-game metrics. These metrics are then weighted based on their importance to the category to provide an accurate evaluation of a player’s performance. This ensures that the grading system is fair and objective, and the players’ performance is evaluated based on the metrics that matter the most in each category. Comparison and Scaling To compare and scale the teams’ and players’ performance, SportsMetrics Grades use a specially fitted sigmoid function. This function ensures that the grades are scaled appropriately, and the players’ performance is evaluated accurately based on the metrics in each category. The stats are compared with the overall distribution of league performance in each category and then weighted by the category weights. Limitations While SportsMetrics Grades provides an accurate and unbiased evaluation of the players and teams, it has some limitations. Currently, it is technically not possible to rate offensive line players accurately. Thus, those players were rated by expert opinions. Additionally, the ratings for defensive backs should be read cautiously, as the best defensive backs may not have the best numbers since quarterbacks try to avoid throwing in their direction. Don't miss a single ELF Game - Get your Game Pass Players Overview ELF x Sports Metrics Top 100 Graded Players - #100-#91 ELF x Sports Metrics Top 100 Graded Players - #90-#81 ELF x Sports Metrics Top 100 Graded Players - #80-#71 ELF x Sports Metrics Top 100 Graded Players - #70-#61 ELF x Sports Metrics Top 100 Graded Players - #60-#51  

After a disappointing ELF 2024 season, Frankfurt Galaxy wants to regain its former strength. The motto for the upcoming season is “Galaxy Reloaded”. To represent this, the team from the West Division choose a special approach. In the future, the Galaxy's visual identity and logo will feature the color orange. This is not a debut, but rather a return. Orange, which stood for energy, momentum and passion, already appeared in the Galaxy's visual identity during their successful times in NFL Europe. “This return is more than just a visual rebrand - it's a bold statement of legacy, local pride, and the continued evolution of one of Europe's most storied football franchises,” a statement from the franchise says. "We want to bring our history back to life" When the team joined the European League of Football in 2021, the orange disappeared from their visual identity. Frankfurt Galaxy wanted to be modernized.  Now the change. The decision to go back to the classic Orange was based on fans requests and is both an emotional and strategic move. “We want to bring our history back to life while channeling the spirit of NFL Europe into the present day,” says Eric Reutemann, CEO of Frankfurt Galaxy about the reasons for the comeback. He adds: “Orange is a symbol of our roots - and of our determination to set the standard in this league today.” The new or better say old color will be seen in the jerseys, merchandise and on the digital platforms of Frankfurt Galaxy. Don't miss a single ELF Game — Get your Game Pass!

Frankfurt Galaxy linebacker Louis Achaintre recently joined the "ELF Live Show" and opened up about last season's struggles and the changes ahead in 2025. After a disappointing 2024 season filled with close losses and missed opportunities, the once-dominant franchise is focused on a fresh start. "We had everything - but couldn't connect" Looking back on 2024, Achaintre shared his thoughts on what went wrong: "We had a good roster, we had a great organisation. Sometimes, even if you have everything, it's hard to connect it all - and that was our main issue." Despite strong talent on the field and a well-structured organization, Galaxy fell short in critical games. But with a new season on the horizon, changes are already making a difference. Full-time coaching staff brings new culture One of the biggest changes is the addition of full-time coaches - something Frankfurt Galaxy didn’t have before. Former Head Coach Thomas Kösling moved into the role of Sporting Director and brought in veteran coach Bart Andrus to lead the team.   "The coaches bring a lot of experience", Achaintre explained. "They've coached all over America. With Bart Andrus, we have the right guy to lead us in this new way." The new coaching setup is already making an impact on the team atmosphere. According to Achaintre, the players are feeling refreshed and more energized than before. Tough schedule ahead Even with the positive momentum, the 2025 season won't be easy. Frankfurt Galaxy will face strong competition, including the Stuttgart Surge, Paris Musketeers, Madrid Bravos, and Nordic Storm – all teams seen as potential championship contenders. Watch ELF Live – Every Friday at 12:00 CET Want to hear more insights like this live? Tune into the "ELF Live Show" every Friday at 12:00 CET on YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Join hosts Nick Alfieri and Matt Bressington as they discuss everything happening across the European League of Football. Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game in Stuttgart!

The ELF had four players take part in last week's NFL IPP pro day at the University of South Florida. The Frankfurt Galaxy’s punter Bastian Roppelt, the Stuttgart Surge’s kicker Lenny Krieg, as well as offensive lineman Leander Wiegand, and former DPOY Maceo Beard were all part this year's NFL IPP class which showed off its skills in front of NFL dozens of scouts. The future Atlanta Falcon Lenny Krieg steals the show The Stuttgart Surge’s kicker Lenny Krieg stole the show at the NFL Combine in February and once again showed scouts his powerful leg during the pro day last week.  As you might know, Krieg signed with the Atlanta Falcons shortly after the pro day as several teams had lined up visits for the German kicker following another impressive kicking performance.  NFL IPP scout Mark Dulgerian spoke on Krieg’s pro day performance:  “He continued his momentum from the Combine, showing impressive lift and power in his kicks. Our kicking coach, Tadhg Leader, did a fantastic job preparing him for what NFL evaluators would be focused on in these workouts. “ Leander Wiegand shows off elite strength Moving on to the big boys, the former Rhein Fire and Munich Ravens offensive lineman Leander Wiegand had scouts buzzing after an impressive show on the bench press with 38 reps of 225 lbs. This would’ve been the most of any offensive lineman at the 2025 NFL Combine by a astounding 5 reps. He also had an 8’10 broad jump and a 32-inch vertical jump. That vertical would’ve put him in the top 6 at the combine for offensive lineman.  “Not surprised by his test results.  He set an ambitious goal for his bench press mark and he achieved that, posting one of the best marks of the entire draft class.  He also moved well in drills at his size.” - Mark Dulgerian Maceo Beard continues to turn heads Former DPOY Maceo Beard also turned heads at the pro-day. The Frenchman last played for the Paris Musketeers in 2024. During the pro-day Beard showed off great movement skills and precise technique. “He really worked on his physique during his time at IMG and he showed up in great shape at his pro day. He looked very comfortable in field drills and caught the ball well.” - Mark Dulgerian The ELF has already produce several NFL players including pro bowler Kavontae Turpin. Through the NFL IPP program the ELF has already helped prepare Colts defensive back Marcel Dabo and Baltimore Ravens defensive end Adedayo Odeleye. Get Your Tickets to the 2025 ELF Championship Game

With our new article series, we introduce all 16 European League of Football franchises for the 2025 season. We highlight the top stars that every fan needs to know. Today, we take a look at Frankfurt Galaxy, a team that had a season to forget in 2024.   From champions to challengers   In the first three seasons of the ELF, Frankfurt Galaxy was one of the most successful teams. Their biggest achievement remains winning the first-ever ELF Championship Game in 2021 against the Hamburg Sea Devils. But in 2024, things did not go as planned. Now, the team is looking to bounce back – and big changes have been made to make that happen.   From a german to an american head coach   After four years with Thomas Kösling as head coach, the Galaxy decided it was time for a change. Kösling moved into the role of sports director, and his first big decision was to bring in Bart Andrus as the new head coach. Andrus is a highly respected coach with over 40 years of experience, including time in college football, the NFL Europe, the Canadian Football League, and even the NFL. He has already proven his coaching ability in Europe, winning the World Bowl in 2005.  Bart Andrus is the new head coach of the Galaxy. ©Philadelphia Stars Playmaker Matthew McKay is back   Last season, Galaxy had changes at the quarterback position. They started with Luke Zahradka, but he struggled to deliver. So, they brought in Matthew McKay, who made an immediate impact. His rushing ability gave the offense a whole new dimension. Unfortunately, in Week 13 against the Wrocław Panthers, McKay suffered a serious leg injury that ended his season. Now, he is back and ready to continue where he left off. Defenses will have a tough time stopping him.  Matthew McKay returns for his second ELF season. ©Marie Sommer Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now! A familiar face for the head coach Last season, Markell Castle was the team's top wide receiver with 1,180 receiving yards. But Frankfurt decided to go in a new direction and signed Terry Wright, a receiver with NFL experience. Wright has been on the rosters of the Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Miami Dolphins. He also played in the CFL, XFL, USFL, and UFL. Wright is already familiar with head coach Bart Andrus, as they worked together in 2023. This will be Wright’s first season in Europe, and he is expected to be the number one target for quarterback Matthew McKay.Terry Wright is the new top target for QB Matthew McKay. ©Philadelphia Stars NFL experience for the defense   Frankfurt also made big moves in their defensive backfield. Alongside Shyheim Battle, the team has signed Channing Stribling, an experienced defensive back who will cause problems for opposing quarterbacks. Stribling played at the University of Michigan, one of the top college programs in the U.S. He also gained NFL experience with teams like the Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Washington Commanders. In addition, he played in other American and Canadian leagues, proving his ability at a high level. He will be a key player for Galaxy’s pass defense.   DB Channing Stribling is one of the leaders of the defense. ©Philadelphia Stars Back to full strength   After a disappointing season and many changes, Frankfurt Galaxy is ready for a fresh start. With new leadership, key signings, and a motivated team, they want to show everyone how good they really are. Fans can expect an exciting season ahead! Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game in Stuttgart!

The new European League of Football season is getting closer, with the first games kicking off on May 17. Over the past month, many teams have made big signings to strengthen their rosters. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest moves from March.   New weapons for Clark   Nordic Storm has added more firepower to its offense, giving quarterback Jadrian Clark new targets. Wide receiver Brendan Beaulieu joins from the Potsdam Royals after winning the German Bowl last season. He will take the team’s receiving corps to a top level.   Another big signing is Adrià Botella Moreno, considered the best tight end in the ELF and a multiple-time All-Star. For him, this is a reunion with Clark, as both played together for the Hamburg Sea Devils in 2021.   Playmakers for the Raiders   The Raiders Tirol made four key signings in March, strengthening both offense and defense. Wide receiver Jacorey Sullivan will be a top target for quarterback Connor Miller, bringing big-play ability to the team. Alongside him, homegrown star Tobias Bonatti has re-signed after an impressive season. Bonatti is one of the best running backs in the ELF and will add versatility to the offense.   Defensively, the Raiders added two athletic playmakers. Aaron Maddox and Dijion Walls are known for their ability to create turnovers. This American duo in the Raiders’ defensive backfield will be a nightmare for opposing offenses.   NFL experience for the Galaxy   Frankfurt Galaxy made strong additions on both offense and defense. Running back Sandro Platzgummer returns to the team after spending time in the NFL with the New York Giants. He will be a key piece in helping the Galaxy bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season.   On defense, Frankfurt signed Channing Stribling, a proven leader. Stribling played college football at Michigan and has been part of five different NFL teams. He also showed his skills in the UFL and CFL. His experience will be crucial in strengthening the Galaxy’s secondary.     College power for the Vikings   The Vienna Vikings used their last A-spot to sign defensive back Dennis Amani. Amani played college football and gained experience in the CFL and USFL. In 2019, he even attended the Cleveland Browns’ mini-camp. He will team up with Divine Buckrham to challenge opposing quarterbacks.   On offense, the Vikings added Victor Stoffel to their offensive line. The Swedish lineman played for Temple University and the University of California, Berkeley. Now, he returns to Europe to help the Vikings in their quest for the ELF Championship.   Offensive support for the Surge   Stuttgart Surge has been very active in the off-season, re-signing many key players while also adding new talent to their defensive line, secondary, and linebacker group. Wide receiver Daniel Pedro, a 2024 German Bowl champion with the Potsdam Royals, will be a key target for quarterback Reilly Hennessey. He brings strong stats and championship experience.   In the backfield, Stuttgart added another playmaker in running back Tomiwa Oyewo. Oyewo impressed last season with the Munich Ravens and will now look to make an impact for the Surge in 2025.   A strong March for the ELF   With these signings, many ELF teams have taken big steps toward their goals for the 2025 season. With just a few weeks left until kickoff, fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive year of football.Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

As March comes to an end the ELF’s season five kickoff is getting closer and closer. Imports will arrive soon, and before we know it, teams will be in the full swing of pre-season training camps. Teams are just making their finishing touches to their rosters and coaching staff, preparing for the May 17th kickoff. Frankfurt adds D1 DBs coach Following a busy week for the Frankfurt Galaxy, they’ve added Tom Mason to be their defensive back coach. Mason has coached for several D1 teams and was most recently with the Central Michigan Chippewas. He also has CFL and AAF experience.  Vienna Vikings add D1 offensive lineman The Vienna Vikings made the splash signing of the week as the runner ups agreed to a contract with massive Swedish offensive lineman Victor Stoffel. Stoffel returns to European football for the first time since 2018 as he’s been a starter for the University California and Temple University over the past 6 seasons.  Raiders bring back homegrown star Tobias Bonnatti is back in black as the Raiders Tirol extended the contract with one of the league’s best homegrown running backs. Bonnati nicknamed the “Italian Stallion” has recorded 1,997 yards and 25 touchdowns in 34 career games for the Raiders. He is the second all-time leader in rushing touchdowns in the ELF, with only Glen Toonga ahead of him. Madrid signs Spanish veteran Cesare Brugnani Brugnani joins the Madrid Bravos after spending the past three seasons with the Barcelona Dragons. The experienced outside linebacker will bring a ton of leadership, knowledge, and playmaking ability to the Madrid defense. In 42 games Brugnani has logged an impressive 205 tackles, 4 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 2 forced fumbles with 2 fumble recoveries.     X-Factor Hugo Tekedam stay home The Paris Musketeers are bringing back Hugo Tekedam. The french talent played receiver and quarterback in Paris last year and was able to give the offense a spark several times throughout the season. The 23-year old had 48 receptions for 761 yards and four touchdowns last season.  Stuttgart Surge bring in young and proven talent The Stuttgart Surge has re-signed defensive back Nick Wenzelburger. Wenzelburger, one of the more underrated homegrown defenders, has an impressive start line, with 143 tackles, 2 TFL, 9 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles in his career.  Pairing the experienced Wenzelburger with returning 21-year-old Sarrow Drammeh, could help build out this Surge secondary for 2025.  On the offensive end the Surge have also signed Albert Wiesigstrauch. Wiesigstrauch comes to southwestern Germany after spending the past 4 seasons with the Berlin Thunder.  The dangerous kick returner and running back had his best season last year, with 11 touchdowns and 851 yards from scrimmage last season, split almost evening between receiving and rushing.  A stacked D-line Better yet, the Surge weren't done, introducing their entire defensive line for the 2025 season. The list includes returning talents such as Simon Butsch, Sadik Busch, Max Dommermuth, Leander Strathmann, Alexander Kreß, and E-import Chris Mulumba. Joining a already outstanding defensive line will be former Hamburg Sea Devils and  Raiders Tirol pass rushers Robert Lachman and former All-Star Berend Grube. Veterans Dominic Siegel and Raphael Zistler also join the Surge. Zistler, a former NFL IPP prospect previously played for the Surge in 2023.    Ravens bring back homegrown defender Nico Leiderer The Munich Ravens have strengthened their defensive backfield with homegrown talent, as Nico Leiderer returns for his second season in the European League of Football.  In his first ELF season, he notched 15 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one interception, showing his ability to make big plays on defense.   The Nordic Storm sign their final E-import The Nordic Storm have signed ELF chamion linebacker Emannauel Falola. The Briish linebacker spend last season with the Rhein Fire, and now joins several ex ELF champions with the Storm.  Get Your Tickets to the 2025 ELF Championship Game!  

The Indianapolis Colts and NFL star Kenny Moore II are bringing American football to Germany with two exclusive youth camps. One of these special events will take place in Frankfurt, hosted at the PSD Bank Arena, home of Frankfurt Galaxy, on May 1.   Learning from an NFL Pro   The Kenny Moore II American Football Game Changer Academy offers young athletes between the ages of 8 and 16 a unique opportunity to train with a real NFL player. Kenny Moore II, a former Pro Bowler for the Colts, will share his experience and coach participants both on and off the field.   Alongside the football camp, the Colts Cheerleaders Youth Camp will provide young cheerleading fans with the chance to learn from the professional cheerleaders of the Indianapolis Colts. In Frankfurt, the Frankfurt Galaxy Dancers will also join the event, offering additional insights into dance techniques, choreography, and the teamwork that makes cheerleading special.   A growing football scene in Germany   With the rapid growth of American football in Germany, this camp provides young players with a valuable opportunity to develop their skills and experience the sport at a high level.   Frankfurt Galaxy Managing Director Eric Reutemann expressed his excitement about the collaboration:  “We are delighted to be working with Kenny Moore II and the Indianapolis Colts. Hosting an NFL player for the second year in a row is a strong signal for the sport and our franchise. This is a great opportunity for young athletes in Germany to learn from a player at the highest level. The sport is constantly growing, and we are proud to be an important part of this development.”  The first camp will take place on April 29 in Berlin, followed by the Frankfurt event on May 1 at the PSD Bank Arena. Exact times and registration details will be announced soon. Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

Frankfurt Galaxy has added another highly experienced coach to their staff by hiring Tom Mason as their new defensive backs coach. Mason brings decades of coaching experience at both the college and professional levels, making him a valuable addition to the team.   A long and experienced career   Born in 1956 in Montana, Mason played as a linebacker at the University of Nevada before starting his coaching career. Over the years, he has worked with many teams in different roles, including defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. He has coached at several universities such as Boise State, Nevada, Fresno State, SMU, and Hawaii.   Mason also gained experience in professional football, coaching in the Canadian Football League (CFL) with the BC Lions and in alternative leagues like the XFL and the Alliance of American Football (AAF). Most recently, he was the linebackers coach at Central Michigan.   Bringing leadership to Frankfurt   Mason has also served as a head coach in the past. He was the interim head coach at Boise State in 1996 and at SMU in 2014. With his vast knowledge and leadership, Mason will help improve Frankfurt Galaxy’s defense for the upcoming season. His experience working with different defensive systems and players will be an important asset to the team. Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

As March rolls on the ELF’s season five kickoff is getting closer and closer. With just a few weeks of preparation left teams are making the finishing touches to their rosters and coaching staff preparing for the May 17th kickoff. Rhein Fire add national champion OC Rhein Fire head coach Jim Tomsula has added Ed Warinner to his staff as the offensive coordinator for the back to back champions. Warinner has spent 30 years coaching college football and has been the OC at Ohio State and Kansas. He won the national championship with the Buckeyes under head coach Urban Meyer back in 2014.  Frankfurt adds two NFL players! The Frankfurt Galaxy have been busy this week announcing their final A-import spot with NFL, CFL, and USFL veteran Channing Stribling. Stribling was an all-USFL defensive back in 2022 and has had several stints in the NFL and CFL. He now reunited with his USFL head coach Bart Andrus in Frankfurt. The other NFL player coming to Frankfurt is a familiar face in Austrian running back Sandro Platzgummer. The former New York Giant returns to the Galaxy after putting up 853 total yards and 6 total touchdowns in 11 games last season.  Raiders add American defensive back Dijon Walls Walls had an outstanding college career at Morningside University, where he played from 2022 to 2025. Over 38 career games, he recorded 123 tackles, 29 pass break-ups, and an eye-popping 19 interceptions. Walls is the final American import for the raiders joining former NFL player Aaron Maddox in the Raiders Tirol secondary.  Madrid gets their first defensive American import Former D1 defensive back Dy’Vonne Inyang is headed to Madrid to join the Bravos. The former UTEP player had a solid career at the University of Texas El-Paso with 80 career tackles, 2 interceptions, and a sack.  He spent last season playing in Germany with the Paderborn Dolphins. Now he joins head coach Andrew Weidinger in the Spanish capital .      Berlin Thunder add NFL/CFL champions to their coaching staff The Berlin Thunder have brought in two assistant coaches with impressive resumes to work with head coach Jag Bal this season.  At offensive coordinator Berlin will be led by Canadian Football league legend Adam Rita. Rita won four Grey Cup championships in Canada as a head coach in the 1990’s and two more as an executive in the 2000’s. He also has experience coaching in the ELF, coaching the Barcelona Dragons through their inaugural season 2021.  Art Valero will be the offensive line coach for the Thunder. The veteran coach has over a decade of experience in pro-football as an offensive line and running backs coach.  Stuttgart Surge re-sign inebacker duo Omar Dittrich and Luis Leatherman The Stuttgart Surge continue to build their roster for the upcoming season. With the return of Omar Dittrich and Luis Leatherman, they secure two important rotational players for their linebacker corps. Both players add depth to the squad and have the potential to make an impact on the field.   Vienna Vikings run it back with Jan Phillip Bombek The Vienna Vikings are bringing back former All-Star defensive end. Jan Phillip Bombek. Last season the homegrown talent had 6.5 tackles for a loss and 2.5 sacks as he battled injuries throughout the season. The Former ELF All-Star returns to Veinna as they reassemble much of last years team to make another run at the title in 2025. Bombek has already participated in a total of 42 ELF games, 29 of which he began as a starter. He made 84 tackles, including 36 for loss and 28.5 sacks Hamburg Sea Devils add Aussie import linebacker The Hamburg Sea Devils have signed Austrailian linebacker Harrison Hobson. Hobson played last season with the Cologne Centurions making 34 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and three tackles for a loss in seven games last year.  Munich Ravens add offensive line talent At just 23 years old, British offensive lineman Daniel Bilesanmi has already made a name for himself in the GFL. His strong performances earned him a spot in the league’s “Offensive Line of the Week” selection twice. With his skills and experience, he will be a valuable addition to the Ravens’ offensive front. Now he joins the Munich Ravens hoping to take his game to the next level.  Get Your Tickets to the 2025 ELF Championship!

Frankfurt Galaxy have spent their last A-import slot. The German team signed US cornerback Channing Stribling. The 31-year-old can already look back on seven years of professional football in various US leagues.  It will be a homecoming for the US American. “I chose Frankfurt because of the familiarity of the coaching staff, I grew up in Mannheim and Frankfurt as a kid,” reveals Stribling. He adds: “Always wanted to go back and visit, and now I can represent the city to win a championship. I am ever excited to be a part of something great.” It all began for Stratus at the University of Michigan. At the NCAA Division I college, he studied literature, science and art. He excelled with the Wolverines, finishing his college career with the fourth-highest single-season pass deflections (17) in school history. He also made the All-Big Ten second team in 2016. After his college days, he declared for the 2017 NFL Draft. He was not selected. Stribling brings a wealth of experience to Frankfurt Galaxy Nevertheless, he made it into the NFL. Stribling signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cleveland Browns in 2017. Following that, he played for several NFL teams on the practice squad, including the Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Chargers. But he did not play a game in the regular season.  In 2019, Stribling decided to move to the Alliance of American Football (AAF) with the Memphis Express. This was followed by other teams in the US league, as well as stops in the XFL, Canadian Football League (CFL) and United States Football League (UFL). In 2022, he played for Philadelphia Stars under Bart Andrus, who was presented as the new head coach of Frankfurt Galaxy this offseason. The cornerback spent last season with the St. Louis Battlehawks in the UFL. Stribling is the Galaxy's fourth and final A-import for the coming season. The team from Frankfurt previously signed Shyheim Battle (CB), Terry Wright (WR) and Matthew McKay (QB). Don't miss a single ELF Game - Get your Game Pass!

Frankfurt Galaxy fans have reason to celebrate as the team has officially announced the contract extension of Austrian running back Sandro Platzgummer for the 2025 European League of Football season. After an impressive 2024 campaign, Platzgummer will once again wear purple and continue to be a key asset in Frankfurt’s offensive unit. From Austria to the NFL and back! Platzgummer, a former NFL International Pathway Program participant and New York Giants practice squad member, made a strong impact in the ELF last season. He recorded 651 rushing yards, 202 receiving yards, and six total touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s most dynamic running backs. “I’m grateful for the incredible opportunity to continue pursuing both my football and academic journey in Frankfurt, alongside all the great people in and around the Galaxy organization,” Platzgummer stated. “As we approach the 2025 season, I cannot wait to showcase the hard work and dedication we’ve all put in—right in front of our passionate fans and the Purple Family. Galaxy Reloaded!” Head Coach Bart Andrus highlighted Platzgummer’s versatility and experience as crucial factors in his re-signing. “Sandro brings incredible versatility to our offense. He’s a dual-threat back with the ability to be effective in both the running and passing game, whether coming out of the backfield or lining up at the line of scrimmage,” Andrus said. Dominating the Austrian Football League Platzgummer’s football journey began in Austria, where he dominated the domestic league, winning nine youth championships and earning the AFL Youngstar of the Year award in 2015. His performances led him to the NFL, where he spent three seasons with the New York Giants and teammate Saquon Barkley, gaining valuable experience at the highest level. After returning to Europe in 2023, his comeback was hindered by a serious knee injury while playing for the Tirol Raiders in his first ELF season. However, his 2024 season with Frankfurt Galaxy proved that he remains among the top running backs in the ELF. Now, with a full year of ELF experience, Platzgummer is focused on helping Frankfurt reclaim its place at the top of the league. With Platzgummer’s extension, Frankfurt Galaxy continues to solidify its roster, ensuring that their offense remains a force to be reckoned with in the European League of Football. © Schrick / Frankfurt Galaxy

The Frankfurt Galaxy continue to shape their roster for the upcoming season, bringing back four familiar faces from last year’s squad. Taslim Gaye, Lennox Fletscher, Fränk Mousel, and Hagen Krauß have all re-signed with the team, reinforcing the Galaxy’s defense for another season.   Most improved player back in action   One of the most exciting returns for Frankfurt is Taslim Gaye, who played a crucial role in last season’s defense. With 29 tackles, 4 sacks, and 7 tackles for loss in 11 games, Gaye was a key contributor despite the team's struggles throughout the season. His outstanding performance earned him the most improved player award within the team.   Strengthening the defense  Alongside Gaye, the return of Lennox Fletscher, Fränk Mousel, and Hagen Krauß adds depth and experience to the defensive unit. These rotational players will be essential in helping the Galaxy bounce back from last season and make a stronger push for success in the upcoming campaign.   With these key re-signings, Frankfurt are determined to rebuild and compete at a higher level in the 2025 season. Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

Bastian Roppelt is one of the talented athletes representing Germany in the prestigious NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPP). After a strong tryout in Dublin just before Christmas, he received a life-changing phone call from the coach, confirming his invitation to the program. "At first, I was overjoyed and couldn’t believe it," Roppelt recalls. "But pretty quickly, my focus shifted to preparing as best as possible for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."   Proud to represent Germany and Europe   For Roppelt, being part of the IPP Program is more than just an opportunity — it’s an honor. Alongside fellow German athletes Lenny Krieg and Leander Wiegand, he takes great pride in representing his country on this international stage. "As a group, we are very proud and ambitious to prove our talent," he says.   A structured routine for success   Specialists like Roppelt follow a highly structured daily routine to maximize their performance. Every day consists of sessions on the field and strength training in the gym. "This routine helps us deliver our best every day and stay in rhythm," he explains. Even though punters are not typically judged by their strength numbers, Roppelt has set himself a personal goal: "I want to reach 15 reps on the bench press. It might not be crucial for a punter, but it’s a way for me to push myself beyond just our kicking sessions."   Learning from the best   When it comes to role models, Roppelt chooses to focus on himself and refining his own skills. However, he does take inspiration from successful punters in the NFL. "Players like AJ Cole and Dan Whelan motivate me because they are built similarly to me, both physically and athletically," he says.   Handling the pressure   The road to the NFL is incredibly competitive, with only a few international players making the final cut. However, Roppelt remains unfazed by the pressure. "My mindset is always the same, whether I’m training in Frankfurt or here at the IPP," he says. "For me, it’s about getting the best out of myself and improving every single day so that I can become the best version of myself."   With his dedication, strong work ethic, and relentless pursuit of improvement, Bastian Roppelt is making the most of his opportunity in the IPP Program. Whether he makes it to the NFL or not, one thing is clear — he is giving everything to reach his full potential. Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

Frankfurt Galaxy continue to work on their squad for the 2025 ELF season and have now made two more decisions for their defense. Linebackers Anthony Keith Williams and Simeon Gabriel have each signed a new contract with the Galaxy. Williams has been part of the team since 2022. The 28-year-old previously played for the Bad Homburg Sentinels. He has already played 30 games for Frankfurt Galaxy in the European League of Football. He made 30 tackles, including 1.5 for loss. Williams also recovered a fumble. "Year four - Iron sharpens iron. Us against everyone else. Let’s get the job done’, says Williams.   Simeon Gabriel, on the other hand, has been part of the team since 2023. The Swiss also played for the Stuttgart Scorpions from 2018 to 2020 and the Wiesbaden Phantoms from 2020 to 2022. The 24-year-old appeared in 23 games for the Galaxy, in which he made 42 tackles, including 3.5 for loss and 3.5 sacks. He also caught an interception, which he returned for a touchdown. "Feels great to be back for another year!", says Gabriel. He adds: "New year, same Goal! Let's get it purple Family! Go Galaxy!" With the signings, Frankfurt Galaxy retain two experienced back-ups for their defense. Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

The European League of Football finished its fourth season. It is now time to figure out what teams will move in the right direction for the fifth season in 2025! Will it be teams with previous losing records emerging as contenders? Will Rhein Fire stay dominant? Who are the best players coming into the season? When are you able to draft your lineups for Fantasy Football? Those are questions that you may ask yourself and we are here to give you the best possible answer! If you have a question and want it to be answered in a future article, please look out on the league’s social channels every Monday. iamcadeyoung: How do you get recruited? There are a lot of different ways to get recruited by a team of the European League of Football. The easiest and most common way for homegrown European players is to play for a regional football team and then perform at try-outs. However, if you are already a proven player or even compete(d) in the United States collegiate system, teams can also review your film. If you want to reach out to a team, feel free to contact them via their respective team websites.  b1ak3varg__: Just getting into the ELF and still can’t decide on a team! What is an underdog team like Buffalo?  Thank you for your question. The European League of Football will kick off its fifth season with 16 teams in 2025. There are a lot of great storylines coming into this year because of multiple moving parts. However, if you are looking for a team that was close to reaching the playoffs or lost in the wild card round over the last years, it is the Madrid Bravos.  In their first ELF season, the Madrid Bravos came up swinging. By doing the unthinkable as a new franchise, the Spanish team even made it to the playoffs but lost the 2024 ELF Champions Rhein Fire 40-10 in the Wild Card Round. But they have hired Rhein Fire’s offensive coordinator Andrew Weidinger as their new head coach. Alongside other great hires, the Spanish franchise made some blockbuster moves and signed impact players from different teams all over the European continent.  So, if you want to jump their a bandwagon before the Madrid Bravos take off, now is your time to join the party!  j.ravelo__: When do rosters usually get finalized by?  Thank you for your question! The roster of a team in the European League of Football gets finalized close to the start of the season. This year, the ELF kicks off on the 17th May. So, you can expect your favorite team to have a finalized roster a few weeks prior. However, keep in mind that rosters in American football contain a large number of players which is why there will always be some fluctuation, e.g. player signings, cuts or even injuries. © European League of Football 

In its history, the ELF has already had a number of top athletes. Some of them change teams or leagues. Others end their active football career. This is also the case after the 2024 season.  All retirements in the overview. Aleksandar Milanovic  The Vienna Vikings lose a captain. Offensive tackle Aleksandar Milanovic ends his pro football career. The 33-year-old Austrian played all three ELF years for the Vikings. He made the All-Star team in 2022 and 2023 and got voted the Man of Honor of the Year 2024. He played a total of 32 ELF games and was one of the Vikings' absolute leading players. Luis Horvath But the team lose another captain in Luis Horvath. The linebacker is retiring from football at the age of 27. Hovrath was one of the most important players on the Vikings defense. Together with the team, he became ELF Champion in 2022. In three years in the league, he collected 165 tackles.  Jakub Mazan Polish wide receiver Jakub Mazan has officially ended his career. After five years with the Wroclaw Panthers, the 32-year-old and the team share a very special bond. After all, Mazan caught the Panthers' first ELF touchdowns. Mazan announced the end of his career in 2022, only to return for the 2024 season. In total, the wideout played 31 ELF games in which he caught 107 passes for 1408 yards and 12 touchdowns.  Mazan also played for the Polish national team. He left it open for the opportunity to join their flag football team.  Kamil Ruta After 18 years, Kamil Ruta's football career comes to an end. The captain of the Wroclaw Panthers and the Polish national team was one of the most significant players in Polish football. The 38-year-old defensive tackle was Polish champion several times with the Panthers. Ruta also made his league debut for the Polish ELF team. He played a total of 40 games.  Philéas Pasqualini  Running back Philéas Pasqualini will leave the ELF after four years and end his career. The Frenchman began his journey in 2021 with the Wroclaw Panthers. He put in a strong performance in his very first season, which earned him a direct selection to the All-Star team.  In 2022, he moved to Stuttgart Surge, in 2024 to the Sea Devils. Pasqualini played 30 ELF games. He ran for 1597 yards and twelve touchdowns. Jason Aguemon Paris Musketeers captain Jason Aguemon has decided to end his career.” It's time for the entire Musketeers family to pay tribute to an exceptional player, captain, and human being,” says a statement from the team. The 32-year-old Frenchman made his ELF debut in 2021 for the Lepzig Kings. The running back then played for Rhein Fire in 2022 before moving to the Musketeers in 2023. In 39 ELF games, Aguemon ran for 1618 yards and 12 touchdowns. Florian Eichhorn Tight end Florian Eichhorn has ended his career. The 30-year-old spent four years in the ELF. It all started in 2021 with the Cologne Centurions. In 2022, the German decided to move to Rhein Fire, where he played until the end of his career. He played 27 games for the German team and became ELF champion in 2023 and 2024. Lorenz Regler Wide receiver Lorenz Regler became champion with Frankfurt Galaxy in 2021. After two more years in purple, the German moved to the Munich Ravens last season. Now the 29-year-old is putting the finishing touches on his career. Regler appeared in 44 ELF games, catching 117 passes for 1528 yards and 18 touchdowns. Robert Werner  Werner spent over ten years as a kicker in Munich. When he entered the league, the 37-year-old became part of the Ravens in 2023. After two good seasons, it's over. Werner ends his career and at what a time: He played an outstanding season, converting eleven of his 14 field goals and 58 of his 68 points after touchdowns. He was nominated for Special Teams Player of the Year. Although he did not win the award, he still chose a great end to his career.  Jebrai Regan Jebrau Regan will be missing from the Enthroners' defensive line next season. The 30-year-old edge rusher is retiring from active football. Regan spent two years in the ELF, both with the Enthroners. In 22 games, he recorded 104 tackles, including 32 for loss and 18 sacks. Overall he stayed eight years with the team. Darius Saint-Robinson With Darius Saint-Robinson, the ELF is losing a lot of experience. After all, the Helvetic Mercenaries cornerback has not only played for three ELF teams, but also in the NFL. From 2021 to 2022, Saint-Robinson played for the Wraclow Panthers, followed by a year with the Munich Ravens and most recently with the Mercenaries. Last season, he played all twelve games for his team. Jonathan Falk  A bitter loss for the Mercenaries. Middle linebacker and team captain Jonathan Falk ends his career. He was the heart of his defense and led the Swiss in tackles. Falk also collected the second most tackles in the league in his final football season. He was even named “Homegrown of the Year” at the ELF Honors. Falk already retired in 2019, but returned for the Mercenaries. “To inspire the young guys, to show, everything is possible,” he explained at the ELF Honors. Now the renewed retirement.  Watch all 2024 season highlights with the Game Pass! Sven Rieger  And another Galaxy player is retiring. Defensive linemen Rieger, joined the Galaxy in 2022. Since then, he has played 29 games, recording 61 tackles and nine sacks. Last season, the 36-year-old started every game.   Kevin Meier  Kevin Meier is the next Frankfurt player to end his career. The defensive end played 31 games for the Galaxy in the ELF. He was also part of the winning team that clinched the first ELF title of 2021. Off the pitch, the 33-year-old also supported the Galaxy as a physiotherapist. Thomas Fischbach  After three years with the Galaxy, Thomas Fischbach is also saying goodbye. In the ELF, the 31-year-old running back recorded 1025 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 32 games. “Touchdown Thommy, you will always be part of the Purple Family and are always welcome in our stadium!”, Galaxy comments his farewell. Luca Hebel  Luca Hebel is leaving the Galaxy as part of the 2021 Championship team. The 24-year-old center was one of the Galaxy's key rotation players. “He has shaped the team and will forever be a part of the purple family,” announced Galaxy. Daniel Fanco Cruz  Daniel Franco Cruz, a Dragon from the very beginning, is leaving the board. The 32-year-old defensive tackle was already on the field in the Catalans' very first ELF season. In his final campaign, the captain played all twelve games, seven of which he started, and contributed 13 tackles and 1.5 sacks. In total, he can look back on over 20 years of football experience, which he will pass on as a coach in the future. From now on, he will be the assistant D-line coach for the Badalona Dracs. Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game here!

The European League of Football once again serves as a potential stepping stone into the best league in the world. The National Football League officially announced on Thursday (27th February) that, after offensive tackle Leander Wiegand from the Munich Ravens, two more ELF players have been accepted into the International Player Pathway program (IPPP) for the 2025 season: punter Bastian Roppelt from Frankfurt Galaxy and kicker Lenny Krieg from Stuttgart Surge. “This is great news for the players, their franchises and, of course, for the league as a whole. The fact that three guys have been given the opportunity to recommend themselves for an NFL contract after a strong season in the ELF is a great sign that we have taken another huge step forward in terms of quality and are also being recognized in North America,” says Patrick Esume, Commissioner of the European League of Football. Leander Wiegand has been part of the IPP Class 2025 since December, and this week Bastian Roppelt and Lenny Krieg also traveled to the USA to train with the coaching staff at the IMG Academy in Bradenton (Florida). The trio want to use their opportunity at the Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis to impress the general managers and coaches of the 32 NFL teams. Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass! NFL IPP: The major opportunity to make a name for yourself Founded in 2017, the IPP program is designed to give international players the opportunity to compete at NFL level, improve their skills and ultimately secure a spot on an NFL roster. In 2024, the IPP was expanded to include “Specialists” for the first time. It is part of a long-term commitment by the NFL and its 32 franchises to support efforts to develop football globally. The goal of the Scouting Combine is to provide NFL teams with a detailed assessment of the physical and mental performance of potential draft candidates. To this end, the players complete a series of tests and exercises that analyze their strengths and weaknesses in various areas. Roppelt, Krieg and Wiegand are not the first ELF stars to try to recommend themselves via the IPP. In 2022, Adedayo Odeleye (formerly Thunder, now Baltimore Ravens) and Marcel Dabo (formerly Surge, now Indianapolis Colts) made their way into the NFL via the prestigious program.   

The NFL has officially announced the addition of five new specialists to the International Player Pathway (IPP) Program 2025, marking a significant moment for international athletes aiming for a career in the league. Among them are two Germans, two Irishmen, and one Italian, all of whom will showcase their skills at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week. This year’s inclusion of kickers and punters in the IPP program follows the success of last year’s expansion, which saw Irish kicker Charlie Smyth earn a place on the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad. Now, five new hopefuls are looking to follow in his footsteps. The two German specialists now have the chance to jump from the European League of Football straight to the National Football League, just like former Stuttgart Surge defensive back Marcel Dabo back in 2022. The five specialists fighting for an NFL future The five international specialists added to the 2025 IPP class are: Bastian Roppelt (Germany, 24, Punter) – A standout punter from Frankfurt Galaxy in the European League of Football (ELF). ⁠Lenny Krieg (Germany, 22, Kicker) – Representing Stuttgart Surge, Krieg has made a name for himself as one of the most accurate kickers in Europe. He was able to convert 11 of 16 field goals and 66 out of 75 extra points for the Surge in 2024. ⁠Mark McNamee (Ireland, 25, Kicker) – The Irish kicker has impressed with his consistency and range, making him a valuable addition to the program. Ross Bolger (Ireland, 23, Kicker) – Known for his strong leg, Bolger has the potential to develop into an elite-level NFL kicker after suiting up for the University of Idaho in previous years. Jonata Loria (Italy, 24, Kicker) – Italy’s top kicking prospect, Loria has excelled in the international football scene and is now taking the next step toward the NFL. The inclusion of specialists in the IPP program is a game-changer, as it allows international athletes to compete for a practice squad spot with one of the 32 NFL teams. Each team can allocate one extra roster spot specifically for an international player, offering a unique opportunity for these athletes to break into the league. NFL Scouting Combine - The ultimate test Now, all eyes are on the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, where these five specialists will attempt to impress NFL scouts, coaches, and general managers. Their performances in kicking drills, accuracy tests, and power metrics could determine whether they land a contract with an NFL franchise. For these athletes, the Combine is more than just a showcase—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to prove they belong on football’s biggest stage. With international players gaining more recognition in the NFL, the journey of Roppelt, Krieg, McNamee, Bolger, and Loria could be the start of a new wave of global special teams talent in the league. Will one of them become the next international success story? The next few days could shape their football future forever. ©️ NFL Deutschland / NFL Germany