Madrid Bravos

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!

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 April, we will reveal the Top 100 graded players of the 2024 European League of Football season, according to SportsMetrics. These grades are based on on-field performance, using a detailed system that compares stats across positions and games. Today, we begin with players ranked #90 to #81. Berend Grube is one of the best linemen in the league. ©Jonas Wicker #90: Berend Grube Berend Grube is an ELF veteran who has played in the league since season one. After three strong years with the Hamburg Sea Devils, he joined the Raiders Tirol for 2024 and showed his skills once again. His consistent performance earned him a spot in the Top 100 — and now, he’ll play for the Stuttgart Surge. #89: Patrick Poetsch Patrick Poetsch has also been in the ELF since the beginning. He played for the Cologne Centurions and Rhein Fire, where he helped win two Championships. He may not have flashy stats, but his pass- and run-blocking skills make him one of the most reliable fullbacks in the league. #88: Adam Zouzelka Zouzelka was one of the bright spots for the Prague Lions in a tough season. In his second ELF year, he proved to be a consistent and hard-working player. With a stronger roster around him in 2025, he could help push the Lions to new heights. Always ready for his quarterback: Marvin Rutsch. ©Roland Johannes #87: Marvin Rutsch Rutsch is the ELF all-time receptions leader and a key target for any quarterback. In 2024, he had 55 catches for 645 yards and 7 touchdowns. His reliable hands and sharp route-running once again made him one of the top receivers in the league. #86: Alessandro Vergani Vergani was a standout offensive lineman in 2024, showing strong pass- and run-blocking skills. He made the 2nd All-Star Team and will return to Stuttgart in 2025, much to the joy of quarterback Reilly Hennessey. Lennart Weitz is one of the most talented linebackers in the league. ©Marc Junge #85: Lennart Weitz Weitz was part of Rhein Fire’s championship-winning team and showed why he’s a top linebacker. His defensive impact was big — and the team made sure to keep him with a contract extension for the upcoming season. #84: Anthony Brown Brown made a big impact with exciting plays alongside QB Carlton Aiken Jr. Injuries slowed down both players, but Brown still performed well enough to earn his place among the league's top 100.Madrid Bravos quarterback from last season: Steven Duncan. ©Just Shots #83: Steven Duncan Duncan had a tough season. He started with the Wrocław Panthers but was released early. Later, the Madrid Bravos signed him to replace injured QB Chris Helbig. In Madrid, he proved his talent and earned his spot in the Top 100. #82: Marvin Wappl  Wappl played for one of the most dominant defensive lines in the league with the Vienna Vikings. His strong performance helped stop many offensive plays, and he rightfully belongs in the Top 100. #81: Daniel Schumacher  Schumacher had a mixed year—not because of his own performance, but because of his team’s inconsistency. The Cologne Centurions ended the season 6-6, but Schumacher still punted 55 times for 1,729 yards, showing his strong and consistent leg. Stay tuned as we continue counting down the Top 100 ELF Players of 2024 — coming tomorrow: spots 80 to 71! Get your tickets for the Championship Game in Stuttgart!

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 - Nos. 100-91

With our new article series, we introduce all 16 teams of the European League of Football for the 2025 season. Today, we take a closer look at the Madrid Bravos, a team that impressed in their first ELF season. They made it all the way to the Wildcard Round before being eliminated by Rhein Fire. Now, with big changes in the roster and coaching staff, the Bravos are ready to take the next step and fight for a spot in the Championship Game.   A former NFL quarterback leads the offense   The Bravos made a big statement by signing their new American quarterback. Reid Sinnett will lead Madrid’s offense in the upcoming season. This will be his first season in Europe, but he brings experience from the NFL and UFL. Sinnett has played for five different NFL teams, including the Buccaneers, Dolphins, Eagles, and Bengals. His strong arm and leadership will be key for the Bravos’ success.   QB Reid Sinnett is set to make a big impact in 2025. ©Greg Fiume/UFL/Getty Images Strong wide receiver corps   For quarterback Reid Sinnett, a reliable group of wide receivers will be essential. The Bravos have built a strong receiving unit this season. Their top target will likely be Aron Cruickshank, a young but experienced player at just 24 years old. He played college football at Rutgers University and had training camps with the Chicago Bears and Pittsburgh Steelers.   Cruickshank’s playing style is similar to Willie Patterson, the Bravos' top receiver from last season, who has now joined the Prague Lions. Like Patterson, Cruickshank is dangerous both as a receiver and a rusher. Additionally, he will make an impact on special teams as a return specialist.   Aron Cruickshank is now hunting for touchdowns with the Bravos. ©Cos Lymperopoulos "Iceman" is back   One of Madrid’s biggest stars is returning to full strength. Alejandro “Iceman” Fernandez is known as one of the best defensive ends in Europe. Last season, he was injured for most of the year and only returned late in the season. Now, with a full preparation, Fernandez is ready to do what he does best: hunt quarterbacks.   Alejandro Fernandez is ready to dominate offensive lines. ©Paula Romo A new offensive genius takes over   The Bravos have also made a big change in the coaching staff. Andrew Weidinger is the new head coach in Madrid. Weidinger has been a key factor for success wherever he coached. He previously worked as the head coach of the Barcelona Dragons and was the offensive coordinator for Rhein Fire.   Weidinger also brings NFL experience, having worked for the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His offensive knowledge will be crucial for Madrid’s success. Fans can expect an explosive and well-organized team in 2025.   HC Andrew Weidinger will help the Madrid Bravos' offense reach new strength. ©Justin Derondeau Can the Bravos reach the top?   After an impressive debut season, the Madrid Bravos want to achieve even greater success. The team has made big adjustments, but will everything work out as planned? The 2025 season will show if the Bravos are ready to fight for the ELF Championship.  

As April begins, 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. Rhein Fire get NFL OL coach & A import The Rhein Fire have added Paul Dunn as their OL coach. He has coached at several top college programs, including Penn State, Rutgers, Cincinnati, Kansas State, and Kentucky. Dunn also has experience in the NFL, where he worked with the Atlanta Falcons from 2008 to 2013. On the field, the Rhein Fire have added University of Pennsylvania receiver Rory Starkey jr. At 189 cm the former IVY league standout is a physical pass catcher who hopes to become a go to guy for Chad Jeffries in a WR room that features, Harlan Kwofie and Jordan Buoah.  Madrid Bravos sign DROY Pierre-Yves Majo The Madrid Bravos have signed swiss talent Pierre-Yves Majo. Majo played 12 games for the Helvetic Mercenaries last season, recording 39 tackles, 7 sacks, and 16 tackles for loss. His outstanding performance earned him the title of Defensive Rookie of the Year.   Vienna Vikings add their final import The Vienna Vikings have added former CFL and USFL veteran Amani Dennis. Dennis was a key defender on current Frankfurt Galaxy head coach Bart Andrus’s USFL team the Philadelphia Stars.  Dennis looks to pair well with Divine Buckram and Benjamin Straight in the Vienna secondary     RB Chris Voumbo stay home  The Paris Musketeers have officially extended the contract of running back Chris Voumbo. Voumbo played very well down the stretch last season finishing the year with  85 carries for 497 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.85 yards per carry.   Munich Ravens sign two vital imports The Munich Ravens have signed Dexter Fitzpatrick as their second American import and first on defense. Fitzpacktrick was a 4X all conference player at Mars Hill. We’ll have to wait to see who else joins him in Munich, as the Ravens have yet to announce their other 2 American imports.  The Ravens also bulk up their offensive line by signing Chinazo "CK" Obobi from the UK. Obobi played college football at D1 Marshall University as well as Austin Peay recently.    Get Your Tickets to the 2025 ELF Championship!

The Madrid Bravos have made a strong addition to their defensive line by signing Pierre-Yves Majo. The 24-year-old defensive lineman played his first season in the European League of Football in 2024 and immediately made an impact.   Impressive debut season   Majo played 12 games for the Helvetic Mercenaries last season, recording 39 tackles, 7 sacks, and 16 tackles for loss. His outstanding performance earned him the title of Defensive Rookie of the Year.   With this signing, the Bravos reinforce their ambition to reach the 2025 Championship Game and continue building a dominant defense. Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game in Stuttgart!

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 Madrid Bravos have added another key player to their roster. With Cesare Brugnani, they welcome an experienced ELF veteran to their team. Brugnani previously played for the Barcelona Dragons for four seasons, where he consistently delivered strong performances.  Impressive stats  Brugnani has built an impressive record in the ELF. Over 42 games, including 32 as a starter, he recorded 205 tackles, 4 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 2 forced fumbles with fumble recoveries.   A strong addition to the defense   With Brugnani, the Bravos strengthen their already solid defense. His experience and skills will help improve the team's roster and bring valuable leadership to the field. Get your tickets for the 2025 Championshup Game in Stuttgart!

The Madrid Bravos have added another key player to their defense by signing American defensive back Dy’Vonne Inyang. The experienced safety brings physicality, strong tackling, and a playmaking ability that will strengthen the Bravos' secondary for the 2025 season.   A proven defender   Inyang has built a solid football career, showing his skills at UTEP (University of Texas at El Paso) and Kilgore College before making the move to the ELF. He is known for his aggressive playing style, ability to read the game well, and making crucial stops when his team needs them most. Throughout his college years, he consistently proved himself as a reliable defender, whether by breaking up passes, forcing fumbles, or delivering big tackles.   A strong addition for the Bravos   With Inyang joining the Madrid Bravos, the team gains a versatile and experienced defensive back who can contribute in multiple ways. His energy and leadership on the field will be valuable as the Bravos aim to build a strong defensive unit for the upcoming season. Fans can expect to see him make a big impact as the team prepares for another exciting ELF campaign. Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

That’s another week down in the ELF off-season. Over the past seven days we saw teams add key players and even potential superstars, as coaches, players, and fans are preparing for the 2025 season.   Stuttgart Surge add talent The Surge added British receiver Daniel Pedro, to their offense. The 20-year old comes to Stuttgart after winning a championship and putting up  915 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in the German Football League.  Raiders Tirol add XFL experience Former XFL WR Jacorey Sullivan heads to Innsbruck to join recently signed quarterback Connor Miller. Sullivan played for the Seattle Seadragons in the 2023 XFL after a first team all conference career at Central Michigan.  The Nordic Storm add two potential stars The Nordic Storm continue to add experience and big play potential to their roster. This time signing American receiver Brendan Beaulieu and veteran tight end Adria Botella Moreno.  Beaulieu a 194 cm receiver dominated in the German Football League last season scoring an eye-popping 27 touchdowns to go along with 1,647 receiving yards, as he was a driving factor in the Postdam Royals championship season. 3X ELF All-Star tight end Adria Botella Moreno also joins the Nordic Storm. The Spanish tight end joins his fifth ELF team in as many years, with a strong resume of 2,080 career receiving yards and 23 career touchdowns.  Frankfurt Galaxy bring back key homegrowns 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. Taslim Gaye had a career season in 2024 with 7 tackles for a loss and four sacks.  Enthroners add to a stacked defensive line The Fehérvár Enthroners sign Finnish talent Aleksi Olavou. He last played for the Berlin Thunder last year notching 27 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and 2 tackles for a loss. He joins British talent Akram Adam and Americans Malik Crenshaw and Emmit Gooden on the Enthroners defensive front.  Madrid re-signs tight end Raul Cernuda Spanish veteran Rual Cernuda was a key part of the Madrid offense last year catching 28 passes for 454 yards and five touchdowns. Look for new head coach Andrew Weidinger to expand Cernuda’s role in his tight end heavy offense.  Rhein Fire reunion Elias Jassey and Dereck Ejike Onyia return to their hometown to play for theRhein Fire. These two young players were developed by the Düsseldorf Panthers where they won the youth national championship in 2022.  Get Your Ticket to the 2025 ELF Championship Game

As they prepare for their second season in the European League of Football, the Madrid Bravos have secured another key player from their debut season. Tight end Rául Cernuda is returning for his third season and will look to build on his strong performances from last year.   A reliable target in the passing game   Cernuda will play an important role in the new offensive system under head coach Andrew Weidinger. Last season, he proved to be a dependable target, recording 28 catches for 454 yards and five touchdowns. With these numbers, he was the second-best receiving tight end in the league, behind only Adria Botella Moreno.   Aiming for even greater success   After reaching the playoffs in their debut season, the Madrid Bravos have bigger goals for 2025. They are determined to achieve even greater success, and re-signing a playmaker like Cernuda is a crucial step in that direction. Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game in Stuttgart!

The Madrid Bravos have hired Jim Collins as their new defensive coordinator. This move brings a wealth of experience to the team, as Collins has an extensive coaching background in both college football and the NFL. A long career in coaching Jim Collins has been a part of many successful football teams over the years. His coaching journey began in the 1980s, with roles at Lees-McRae, Appalachian State, Jacksonville State, and Florida. He later worked at Marshall and spent time in the NFL as an assistant coach with the Washington Redskins.                                     Collins is perhaps best known for his time at Duke University, where he worked with head coach David Cutcliffe. During his time at Duke, Collins helped the Blue Devils' offense achieve impressive numbers, including an average of 329.7 yards per game and 37 total touchdowns in 2019. Under his guidance, the defense was also strong, ranking third in the ACC for pass defense. Success at Duke and other teams Collins' coaching career includes impressive achievements. At Duke, he was part of a team that saw success on both sides of the ball. His efforts contributed to a top-five ranking in the ACC for pass defense efficiency in 2019. Collins also spent many years at Florida, where he helped the team win six SEC championships and a national title in 1996. Throughout his career, Collins has participated in 19 bowl games, showcasing his ability to guide teams to success. Some of these include major games like the 1992 Sugar Bowl, 1996 Fiesta Bowl, and the 2001 Orange Bowl. A valuable addition to the Madrid Bravos With his vast experience in coaching both defense and offense, Jim Collins is sure to make a significant impact as the new defensive coordinator for the Madrid Bravos. His deep knowledge of football and his success at the collegiate and NFL levels will help strengthen the team’s defense as they aim for greater success in their upcoming seasons.

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.  

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 

Wide receiver Louis Geyer (Stuttgart Surge) and defensive back Pablo Araya (Madrid Bravos) put in strong performances in the ELF. Their performances have also caught the attention of scouts outside Europe. Both athletes were invited to this year's Invitational Combine by the Canadian Football League (CFL).  The competition will take place on February 28 at the University of Waterloo. A total of 68 players from the USA, Canada as well as the ELF and German Football League will be able to prove themselves in the classic Combine disciplines.  Those who do well in competitions like 40-yard dash, vertical jump or bench press will move on to the next Combine round.  From March 21 to 23, more events will take place in Regina, Saskatchewan, where only top prospects will compete. Hope for North America Whoever manages to impress can expect a good chance of being selected in the CFL Draft and CFL Global Draft on April 29th. A total of 140 athletes are hoping to make the leap into the North American Football League. Araya made an incredible debut for the Bravos last season and in 12 games the 24-year-old Spaniard collected 99 tackles, including three for loss and three pass deflections. He also forced a fumble and recovered another. Geyer, on the other hand, has been one of the ELF's all-time greats since 2021. The 23-year-old German and former All-Star has already caught 187 passes for 2,854 yards and 32 touchdowns in 46 ELF games. Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

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