Helvetic Mercenaries

With our new article series on our website, we want to introduce all of the sixteen European League of Football franchises for the 2025 season and what they are made of. We take a look at the top stars every fan needs to know. Today we explore the Helvetic Mercenaries, who are coming off a difficult 2024 season. In the ELF, the Helvetic Mercenaries took the place of the Swiss team Helvetic Guards. They finished their debut season with a record of 1:11. This resulted in last place in the Central Conference. The front office has made significant investments to ensure that this does not happen again next season. Dual-Threat danger Isaiah Weed Isaiah Weed has already shown that he can be a good quarterback with the Cologne Centurions. Weed is a so-called "dual-threat quarterback". This means he can not only throw, but is also strong on his feet.  This makes him more difficult for the opposing defense to predict. If you take the pass away from Weed, he can still get yards with the running game. If the O-line manages to give their new signal caller enough time, he can hurt the opposing defense. Top receivers should also support him - and the Mercenaries now have them. New QB1 in the house: Isaiah Weed ©Kevin Reuss. NFL-Veteran Keelan Cole signs with Mercenaries It was one of the top moves this offseason. NFL veteran Keelan Cole moved to the European League of Football. The 31-year-old wide receiver played six years in the NFL for the Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders.  Accordingly, he trained at the top level for years. He played a total of 93 games in which he caught 2832 yards and 14 touchdowns. Cole can become a real weapon for the Mercenaries. One that was missing last season, when the Mercenaries had to put almost all of their offensive power on the shoulders of a rookie receiver. Cole may be a game changer.  NFL-Veteran Keelan Cole ©IMAGO. Homegrown Top-Receiver Milan Spiller Milan Spiller has not been in the European League of Football for very long. But the 20-year-old was able, to make a name for himself in just one season. The wideout delivered, catching 63 passes for 1008 yards and five touchdowns. Breaking the 1,000-yard mark in his rookie season is impressive. At the end of the season, the young Swiss was honored accordingly.  Spiller player was named 2024 ELF Rookie of the Year. To the joy of the fans, he extended his contract this offseason. He will therefore remain with the Mercenaries, who are likely to have even greater expectations of him in the upcoming season. Together with Keenan Cole, he can help the receiver room to great strength. 2024 ELF ROTY: Milan Spiller ©Noa Monn. Aleksi Närhi: Finish powerhouse for the O-Line To protect their quarterback sufficiently, the Mercenaries have added a finish powerhouse to their O-line. Aleksi Närhi signed with the team from Switzerland. The 23-year-old has already spent a lot of time in the Finnish Maple League. He became champion with the Helsinki Roosters in 2024. Närhi impresses above all with his strength and good handwork. New O-Lineman: Aleksi Närhi ©privat/Aleksi Närhi. New defensive cornerstone De'Marco Artis? The defensive line has also been strengthened. A-import De'Marco Artis is another powerhouse coming to Switzerland. After spending the previous two seasons in Finland, the experienced international professional makes his first appearance in the ELF. Playing for the Wasa Royals, the D-Liner had an incredible 2023 season, setting the league record with 12 sacks, 44 tackles, and 17 tackles for a loss. In addition to international experience, he also has some from US college. The 25-year-old started at Division one college Baylor. He later transferred to West Florida University. Artis could become a real cornerstone of the Mercenaries defense. Defensive End De'Marco Artis ©SAJL. Versatile veteran Jocques Crawford A true veteran is now in charge of the secondary: Jocques Crawford. The 37-year-old safety has already seen many years of football. Despite his age, Crawford can still deliver top performances. He has already proven this with the Berlin Thunder and the Milano Seamen. In 2022, Crawford was selected for the ELF All-Star Team. The veteran is versatile and can play both safety and running back. Before his time in the ELF, he played at several US colleges, in Finland, Brazil and Italy.   Can play on offense and defense: Jocques Crawford ©Eric Ribé. Don't miss a single ELF Game - Get your Game Pass! ELF-known Head Coach Marcus Herford In the position of head coach, the front office is relying on a 39-year-old coach who already knows the league. Marcus Herford took over the position at the start of the offseason.  In 2021, the US-Coach worked on the coaching staff of the Berlin Thunder. He then made a name for himself in the German Football League. As head coach of the Hildesheim Invaders, he was partly responsible for his team's long playoff run, which even went as far as the semi-finals. Herford's stands for an energetic coaching style. Supporters can anticipate a dynamic squad that prioritizes growth and competition. He will be supported by several former NFL professionals as assistant coaches. These include Chris Scelfo (OL), Joshua Fitzgerald (WR) and Sascha Gaveau (RB) New Mercenaries Head Coach: Marcus Herford ©City Press. Season objectives - Mercenaries have nothing to lose However, whether the Helvetic Mercenaries can actually be a contender next season depends above all on if the key players work and if the team spirit can carry them to the end. The potential is definitely there thanks to a strong offseason. But with star players, expectations also grow. Either way, the declared goal is likely to be a different one for now: To achieve more victories than in the previous year. Accordingly, the Helvetic Mercenaries have nothing to lose, despite the increased expectations.   Get your Tickets for the 2025 Championship Game!

During the offseason, the teams of the European League of Football aren't taking any days off. This week several teams made major signings for the 2025 season. See the recap below: Mercenaries add intriguing young talent The Swiss squad added two new players this week with young defensive end and Penn State commit RJ Sagna and Finnish national team offensive lineman. A young homegrown defensive end with elite traits and another import offensive lineman could be two big pieces for the Mercenaries in 2025.  Raiders Tirol add NFL experience Former Indianapolis Colt Aaron Maddox will head to Innsbruck this summer. The former Colorado and Campbell University safety spent the 2023 pre-season with the Colts in 2023, and is now making his debut in Europe. He was of course NFL teammates for a brief time with former ELF player and current Colt Marcel Dabo.  Cologne Centurions add American linebacker & more The Centurions have their first defensive import in Alex Alteus. The rookie linebacker comes to Europe for the first time after a stellar career at Stetson and Eastern Illinois University. Joining Alteus will joined be homegrown running back Umar Ayuba Tairou and Dutch cornerback Richard Agyekum who has several seasons of college football experience at Minnesota State and North Dakota.       Rhein Fire add Columbian E-Import & young homegrowns Defensive end Stewar Mosquera will join the back-to-back champs after 3 seasons of playing in Mexico’s college football scene, as well as pro football in Brazil. Homegrown talents also join the squad in wide receiver Onoura Joseman and ex-youth national team offensive lineman Lukas Jakobi. Jakobi comes to the Rhein Fire after playing for the Düsselldorf Panthers the past few seasons.  Madrid adds ex-D1 and NFL coach Jim Collins as DC Jim Collins joins Andrew Weidingers staff in Madrid and brings with him over 40 years of coaching experience at several D1 colleges including Duke and Florida, as well as two years as an assistant with the Washington Redskins.    Enthroners add size to the DL Fehervar continues to rebuild its roster in preparation for 2025, this time adding another defensive lineman in british talent Akram Adam. The 22-year old joins Americans defensive end Emmit Gooden and Malik Crenshaw on the Enthroners defensive line.  Vienna Vikings bring back homegrown WR The Vienna Vikings bring back Daniel-Elias Schwam, who spent the past two years playing junior college football in California. After two productive years of college football the young Austrian returns to the club he grew up playing for in Vienna. Schwam looks to compliment a talented group of receivers centered around All-Stars Reece Horn and Noah Touré. Get Your Ticket to the 2025 ELF Championship!  

The Helvetic Mercenaries have strengthened their offensive line with another E-import. Sampo Leppänen signed a contract with the team from Switzerland. The 20-year-old Finn played for the Helsinki Rooosters and Vantaan TAFT in his youth, before gaining experience in Finland's top league with the Seinäjoki Crocodiles. In 2024, he joined the Hildesheim Invaders to play in the German Football League.  Leppännen, who is known for his great hand and arm technique, has also played for the Finnish youth national team. He has now even made his debut for the men's national team. Will the O-Line deliver Mercenaries success? Leppänen could become an important component of the Mercenaries' offensive line. This offseason, the Swiss team has already strengthened its roster with big-name players such as former NFL veteran Keenan Cole and quarterback Isaiah Weed. Wide receiver Milan Spiller, the current ELF Rookie of the Year, also signed a new contract.  If the offensive line can buy their QB enough time, the Mercenaries' playmakers can hurt their opponents.  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 

One of the biggest talents in European football has now found his way into the ELF. Standing at 1.96m and weighing 108kg, RJ Sagna has the perfect build to dominate as a defensive end. With this signing, the Mercenaries have made a strong move to further strengthen their defensive line.   Penn State believes in Sagna’s talent   RJ Sagna’s talent is not only recognized in Europe but also in the United States. One of the top Division 1 colleges, Penn State, was impressed by his skills and offered him a spot on their team in June 2024. This offer proves that Sagna has the potential to compete at the highest level. Now, before heading to the U.S., he will showcase his abilities in the ELF, where he is expected to be a key player for the Mercenaries. Get your tickets for the 2025 ELF Championship Game now!

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 (ELF) is set to kick off its 2025 season with 16 teams from nine countries, each led by a head coach bringing unique experience and vision to their respective franchises. Here's an overview of the head coaches steering the teams: DIVISION NORTH  Berlin Thunder - Jag Bal Returning to Berlin Thunder as head coach, Jag Bal brings a wealth of experience from both playing and coaching in Europe. His previous tenure with the Thunder in 2021 and roles with teams like the Berlin Adler and Cologne Centurions highlight his deep understanding of European football dynamics. Fans can expect a disciplined and strategic approach, aiming to elevate the Thunder's performance in the league. Hamburg Sea Devils - Shuan Fatah Shuan Fatah, one of Germany's most successful football coaches, takes the helm of the Hamburg Sea Devils. With multiple championships, including German Bowls and Eurobowls, Fatah emphasizes building a strong team foundation by focusing on local talent and detailed preparation. Supporters can anticipate a revitalized team committed to reclaiming its former glory to "Catch the Wave". Nordic Storm - John Shoop Leading the new expansion team, Nordic Storm, is John Shoop, an American coach with extensive experience in both the NFL and college football. His offensive expertise and commitment to player development are expected to lay a competitive foundation for the team in their inaugural season. The Storm head coach was the former Munich Ravens heads coach and Rhein Fire offensive coordinator in the ELF.   Rhein Fire - Jim Tomsula Jim Tomsula continues as the head coach for Rhein Fire, bringing a wealth of NFL experience, including a head coaching stint with the San Francisco 49ers. Under his leadership, Rhein Fire clinched the ELF Championship in 2024. Fans can expect a continuation of his defensive prowess and a team poised to defend their title. DIVISION WEST Cologne Centurions - Javan Lenhardt Javan Lenhardt steps into the role of head coach for the Cologne Centurions. With a background in coaching various European teams, Lenhardt is known for his defensive strategies and player development skills. Centurions supporters can look forward to a disciplined and resilient team on the field. Frankfurt Galaxy - Bart Andrus Bart Andrus, with a coaching career spanning the NFL, CFL, and NFL Europe, takes charge of Frankfurt Galaxy. Notably, he led the Amsterdam Admirals to a World Bowl victory in 2005. Andrus's vast experience is set to bring a strategic and seasoned approach, aiming to elevate the Galaxy's performance in the league to 2021 standards. Paris Musketeers - Jack Del Rio The Paris Musketeers have made a significant acquisition by appointing Jack Del Rio as head coach. With 12 seasons as an NFL head coach, leading teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders, Del Rio brings a wealth of experience. His defensive acumen and leadership are expected to propel the Musketeers to new heights in the ELF.  Stuttgart Surge - Jordan Neuman Jordan Neuman continues to lead Stuttgart Surge, bringing a track record of success from his time with the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns in the German Football League. Known for his offensive strategies and player-centric coaching style, Neuman aims to build on the team's previous successes and push for championship contention. DIVISION SOUTH Helvetic Mercenaries - Marcus Herford Marcus Herford takes over as head coach for the Helvetic Mercenaries. With previous coaching roles in the ELF and a successful tenure with the Hildesheim Invaders in the German Football League, Herford is known for his dynamic coaching style. Fans can expect an invigorated team with a focus on development and competitiveness. Madrid Bravos - Andrew Weidinger Andrew Weidinger brings a wealth of experience to the Madrid Bravos, having previously served as the offensive coordinator for Rhein Fire, leading them to back-to-back ELF championships. His offensive expertise and leadership are anticipated to make the Bravos a formidable force in the league. Munich Ravens - Kendral Ellison Kendral Ellison continues as the head coach for the Munich Ravens. With a background in European football and a focus on building strong, cohesive units, Ellison is dedicated to developing local talent and implementing strategic gameplay to enhance the Ravens' competitiveness. Raiders Tirol - Jim Herrmann Jim Herrmann remains at the helm of Raiders Tirol. With extensive coaching experience, including a Super Bowl win as a linebackers coach with the New York Giants, Herrmann brings a wealth of knowledge. His defensive expertise is expected to keep the Raiders as strong contenders in the league. DIVISION EAST  Fehérvár Enthroners - Mark Ridgley Mark Ridgley leads the Fehérvár Enthroners into the 2025 season. With a background in coaching multiple teams across Europe and a history of player development, Ridgley focuses on a disciplined approach to the game. His coaching philosophy is centered on team unity and building a competitive program capable of challenging top teams in the ELF. Prague Lions - Dave Warner Dave Warner continues as the head coach for the Prague Lions. With decades of coaching experience at the collegiate level, including time at Michigan State as an offensive coordinator, Warner brings a deep understanding of offensive playmaking. His ability to develop quarterbacks and establish an effective passing game will be crucial for the Lions' success in 2025. Vienna Vikings - Chris Calaycay Chris Calaycay remains the head coach of the Vienna Vikings, leading them to an undefeated regular season in 2024. With multiple championships under his belt, Calaycay's leadership and strategic acumen are expected to keep the Vikings at the forefront of the league. Panthers Wrocław - Craig Kuligowski Craig Kuligowski continues as the head coach for Panthers Wrocław. Known for his extensive experience coaching defensive lines in top U.S. college programs, Kuligowski brings a strong defensive mentality to the Panthers. His focus on developing an aggressive front and disciplined defense is expected to make Wrocław a formidable contender in 2025.  

With the surprising signing of NFL veteran Keelan Cole, the Helvetic Mercenaries have further raised expectations for the upcoming season in the Eureopean League of Football. To ensure that quarterback Isaiah Weed gets plenty of time to find his new star receiver, the Swiss have now made an addition to their offensive line. The Mercenaries have signed a promising player in Aleksi Närhi. The 22-year-old Finn played five years for the Helsinki Roosters, with whom he became Maple League champion in 2024. He also won the bronze medal with Finland at the 2021 European Championships and the silver medal in 2023.  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. oxforddictionar.i: Where are the players pooled from; Lesser leagues or is it schools? Players in the European League of Football (ELF) come from all over the world and from very different backgrounds. Homegrown players usually stem from national and regional American Football leagues from different countries around Europe. However, some European players in the ELF also played for different college programs in the United States or were under contract in the Canadian Football League and other professional leagues in North America.  The European import players are very similar to the homegrown players. The major difference to them compared to homegrown players is their home country and the teams they sign with in the European League of Football. The American import players usually have a college background. Most of the new American imports signed by teams in the ELF even have NFL experience, just like recently signed Helvetic Mercenaries wide receiver Keelan Cole!  grabxwski: How can we watch the games and what time do they usually play? All games of the European League of Football are accessible through the ELF Game Pass worldwide. Click here for more information and special offers to get your ELF Game Pass now, to be prepared for the upcoming season! Usual kickoff times are on Saturday at 6pm (CEST) and on Sunday from 1pm (CEST) to 4:25pm (CEST). In the upcoming fifth season of the European League of Football, 16 teams will fight for the European League of Football Championship in four different divisions. steve_keef: Which team fits me the most? I’m from Bad Kreuznach, very close to the Rhine! Thank you for your question! Every team in the European League of Football is unique. As a fan, it mostly comes down to what team resonates with you the most. Being from Bad Kreuznach, the Frankfurt Galaxy are the closest team geographically. So, if you want to visit a lot of home games, this might be your team to choose! However, all the other 15 teams in the European League of Football have enticing players, storylines and more! Check out the teams websites and our articles about the teams on our website to lock down your favorite for the upcoming 2025 season! © European League of Football 

Transfer with charisma: Helvetic Mercenaries bring NFL star Keelan Cole to the European League of Football Prominent addition for the European League of Football! The Helvetic Mercenaries have signed former NFL star Keelan Cole for the 2025 season. During his career in the world's best football league, the 31-year-old played for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2017 to 2020), the New York Jets (2021) and the Las Vegas Raiders (2022 to 2023). During this time, the US American played in 93 games with 197 catches for 2832 yards and 14 touchdowns. Now the wide receiver will prove his class in the “Champions League” of European football. "A signing with a lot of appeal for the ELF" “What's good for a franchise is of course good for the whole league. I am delighted for the Helvetic Mercenaries that they have been able to bring an outstanding player like Keelan Cole to Switzerland, from whom the whole team will benefit because he will pass on his experience to the other guys. This is also a signing with a lot of appeal for the ELF and shows that our league is also taken seriously in the USA,” says Patrick Esume, Commissioner of the European League of Football. The Helvetic Mercenaries had been working on this coup for quite some time, the contact was made through Head Coach Marcus Herford, who once worked with Cole as Co-Offensive Coordinator and Special Teams Coordinator at Kentucky Wesleyan College and has been in regular contact with the pass receiver ever since. "He really wanted to play in Europe" “Keelan and I talked about this opportunity four years ago. He really wanted to play in Europe towards the end of his career so he could pass on his knowledge to young players. My expectations are that Keelan can help in so many ways. He has played at the highest level and learned so much that he will be a huge asset to our team. He is very down to earth and really wants to do everything he can to help the team. I'm looking forward to coaching him again and seeing the impact he will have on and off the field,” said Marcus Herford, Head Coach of the Helvetic Mercenaries. General Manager Chris Rummel made it clear that he came to an agreement with the former NFL star quite quickly. “We were able to convince Keelan of our project and our development plans and he will be in Switzerland for the first team training with all imports. He was aware that the ELF is a development league, but that's exactly what appealed to him. He is eager to contribute his know-how and experience to our team. Having him in our organization for the long term is a great asset for us,” says Rummel.

The new ELF season is almost on the doorstep. The first matchday starts on May 17th. The teams are therefore wasting no time in strengthening their rosters. As always, we summarize the most important signings of the week for you. NFL veteran moves to Switzerland The Helvetic Mercenaries surprised with a real blockbuster deal. NFL veteran wide receiver Keenan Cole signed with the Swiss team. Centurions present new Head Coach The Cologne Centurions have found their new Head Coach. Javan Lenhardt returns, to spent his third ELF year with the team. Defensive cornerstone for Surge After focusing on their offense so far this offseason, Stuttgart Surge are now turning their attention to their defense. For this purpose, cornerstone DB Mitchel Fettig signed a new contract. Enthroners sign new OC The Ferhérvár Enthroners have presented Shawn Cooper as their new offensive coordinator. The US-American was previously with the Barcelona Dragons. Sea Devils sign US-Receiver The Hamburg Sea Devils have signed their US receiver. Terryon Robinson reunites with an old childhood friend at the German team. Homegrown college talent for the Panthers The Wroclaw Panthers have signed a promising homegrown talent. Wide receiver Ott Eric Ottender was the first Estonian player to join an NCAA Division 1 college program Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

The Helvetic Mercenaries have made the splash player signing of the off-season, bringing in one of the ELF’s most decorated players in the history of the league, in former NFL receiver Keelan Cole.  NFL veteran joins the Mercenaries Cole, 31, put up an impressive 197 catches, 3,407 all-purpose yards, and 15 total touchdowns during his seven seasons in the NFL playing for the Jaguars, Jets, and Raiders. The 1.85cm receiver from Louisville, Kentucky is statistically the most accomplished former NFL player to join the ELF during the league’s 5 seasons.  The Mercenaries newest player, went viral several times during his NFL career for making incredible catches in Jacksonville and New York. He last played in the NFL in 2023 where he spent the season as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad.  Cole had two seasons in the NFL with over 500 yards receiving in 2017 and 2018 as he was a consistent playmaker for the Jaguars and Jets from 2017-2021. Perhaps his best season came in 2020 where he had a career high 55 catches for 642 yards and five touchdowns. Cole joins a Mercenaries squad, hoping to make some noise in 2025. The Swiss team has already signed veteran quarterback Isaiah Weed, along with veteran Jocques Crawford, and 2024 “Rookie of the Year” WR Milan Spiller. Mercenaries fans are hoping the new talent, new head coach Marcus Herford, and the addition of a former proven NFL veteran such as Keelan Cole can help the Mercenaries shake things up in the ELF South Division. Get tickets for ELF's Championship Game 2025!   

As we move deeper into the off-season it means we are even closer to kicking off the 2025 season. The next season will be the European League of Football’s fifth season as it looks to keep growing year after year.  Recently there have been a flurry of player and coach signings, as well as major media announcements, including the ELF’s new deal with DAZN. Let’s chat about it all below! DAZN questions: Many fans have asked about the logistics of the new 8-year deal that the ELF signed with DAZN. There will be more details to come which will explain how the ELF Game Pass will be integrated with DAZN’s platform both from a pricing and content side of things. In short, stay tuned for more DAZN and ELF details to come.  Babayaga707M: Is there a ELF Combine? Or do you recruit players? Great question here from an even better username. Many teams will run their own combine’s in order to see not only homegrown players from the area, but also players from different European countries and even those that have flown thousands of miles for a shot in the ELF. Team’s will continue hosting their own tryouts and combine’s throughout the off-season as they hope to fill up their roster prior to training camp.  Rampagequomony5: What country will the ELF expand to next? Fans have been wondering about this one for a while! This year many fans were surprised as the Nordic Storm joined the league as an expansion franchise. Many have speculated that major European cities such as London, Dublin, Amsterdam, and others would be good fits due to their massive populations. The league will likely look to continue to grow in 2026, however this year’s teams are set.  Jules_bnf: When can I buy a match ticket? This was certainly my favorite question of the bunch. The full ELF schedule is available to block out your calendar’s. Some teams have begun selling tickets on their website’s while others will follow soon.  Most importantly, the biggest game of the ELF season, the 2025 Championship in Stuttgart does have tickets available and has already sold more than 10K tickets.  Get your ELF CG 25 Tickets here

Even before his first game for the Helvetic Mercenaries, wide receiver Aaron Jackson has already left his new team again. The 29-year-old only signed for the Swiss team at the beginning of November. US-Import Jackson was supposed to give the Mercenaries receiver room new strength with his experience and talent in 2025. But now the quick breakup. “Due to contractual disagreements with his previous team, Aaron Jackson has decided to retire from ELF football. After discussions, we have agreed to his request and terminated his contract,” the Mercenaries announced.  Jackson played for the Berlin Thunder from 2023 to 2024. Also, thanks to his 26 touchdowns in 23 ELF games, the has been one of the best receivers in Europe over the past two years. Youth work keeps him in Berlin From now on, Jackson will prove his talent with the Berlin Rebels in the German Football League. “I love the real people and the city of Berlin and want to simply be somewhere where I can trust and feel safe,” he explains. Jackson adds. “Be able to help the youth and make a positive impact for those inspiring to do more than what I've done.” Contact with his new team was established as early as 2024. Jackson began helping out as a coach at camps and training sessions for the youth teams. This work is very important to him. Now that the move to the Mercenaries has fallen through, Aaron Jackson is staying in Berlin after all. Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

New opportunities for talents across Europe Last year, several teams in the European League of Football (ELF) already took advantage of the opportunity to sign players from neighboring countries as "homegrowns". The Wrocław Panthers were able to recruit from Ukraine, the Prague Lions signed talents from Slovakia, and the Fehérvár Enthroners were able to bring in players from Romania. Homegrowns are defined as players who began playing football in the respective countries. These players fall under the "Homegrown Salary Cap" of the corresponding franchise. New homegrown territories for the 2025 season This season, the regulation is being expanded to include additional regions. The Nordic Storm, based in Denmark, can now sign players from Sweden as homegrowns. The Wrocław Panthers from Poland gain access to talents from the Baltic countries (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia), while the Fehérvár Enthroners can additionally include players from Serbia as homegrowns. This expansion enables franchises to nurture and integrate even more young talents from across Europe into the ELF. Special regulation for Italian players A notable new provision concerns the allocation of Italian players. Football talents who began their careers in eastern Northern Italy can now be signed as Homegrowns by the Austrian franchises (Raiders Tirol and Vienna Vikings). Players from western Northern Italy, on the other hand, may be designated as Homegrowns by the Helvetic Mercenaries (Switzerland). This regulation strengthens the ELF's presence in Italy and offers talented players the opportunity to develop at the highest level. Objective: Competitive balance and equal opportunities The expansion of Homegrown territories aims to further enhance competitive balance within the league and create new opportunities for players across Europe. Through this regulation, talents outside the limited E-Spots can now have a chance to prove themselves in the ELF and continue their development. Patrick Esume, Commissioner of the European League of Football, emphasizes the significance of this update: "It is a top priority for us to develop new homegrown heroes in previously untapped territories. We are aware of the potential in countries such as Serbia and the Baltic states, and we want to provide these players with a platform to showcase their abilities. Particularly in Italy, it is important for us to maintain a strong presence and offer talents the opportunity to compete at the highest level. With the new regulations, players from Northern Italy can now more easily join the franchises that best suit them and demonstrate their skills." Get your Game Pass NOW!