Madrid Bravos

The season kicks off in only 16 days, as teams are excited to hit the game field for the first time since last year. Let's take a look at some of the top moves teams made last month to prepare for week one.   Rhein Fire get WR with NFL experience Rhein Fire has completed its American player roster with the signing of wide receiver Rory Starkey. He joins quarterback Chad Jeffries and defensive backs Omari Williams and Darius Nash as the fourth American on the team. Starkey will add even more talent to an already strong wide receiver group.   After his time in college, he had opportunities with the Green Bay Packers and the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL.  Madrid Bravos add DROY 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.   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.   Paris Musketeers sign All-American DT The Paris Musketeers have signed defensive tackle Lamonte McDougle. The American joins former NFL head coach Jack Del Rio in the French capital as the first American import on defense for the French squad.  McDougle played for West Virginia, UTEP, and Washington State during his college career, building a reputation as a disruptive nose tackle.  Enthroners make an import switch The European League of Football season hasn’t started yet, but the Fehérvár Enthroners have already made changes to their roster. They have signed American defensive lineman Michael Badejo, who will replace Emmit Gooden. Badejo brings with him D1 experience from SMU and was a standout last season in the German Football League.  Surge bring back star safety In a move that will excite Stuttgart Surge fans across the league, defensive back Raheem Simiram-Wilson is returning for the 2025 season. After a breakout campaign in 2024, the 31-year-old veteran has re-signed with the team and is set to remain a central piece in head coach Jordan Neuman’s defensive puzzle. The former CFL starter had 6 interceptions last season in only ten games, making an enormous impact on the Stuttgart Surge defense.  Munich Ravens load up on defense The Munich Ravens will bring back defenders Wael Nasri, Etuale Lui, and Christoph Nitzlnander. As the Bavarian squad hopes to make another playoff run this year.  One new face for the Ravens will be safety Cole Coleman. Cole knows the ELF, playing for the Vienna Vikings last season. Prior to coming to Europe the former Elon DB spent time in the NFL and CFL.  Get Your Tickets to the 2025 ELF Championship Game!  

Former NFL quarterback Reid Sinnett joined the ELF Live Show and gave fans a closer look at his new team — the Madrid Bravos. Alongside show host Nick Alfieri and ELF expert Matt Bressington, Sinnett shared his first impressions of playing in Spain and his excitement for the 2025 season. A strong first impression Sinnett didn’t hold back on his praise for his teammates: “I don’t know if we are the biggest team, or the fastest, or even the most talented. I have no idea about that. But I am confident in our ability to gameplan and put our team in the right position. I’m confident in my ability to execute and be consistent — and these Spanish guys believe. That stood out to me from day one.” The American QB, who brings NFL experience to the Bravos, also added: “This is a brotherhood I could not compare to anything in the US.” Focused on offense During the show, the team also discussed the distribution of import players on the Bravos’ roster. While the offense includes Sinnett, Aron Cruickshank, and five other imports, the defense currently has only three. Sinnett’s response was calm and confident:  “The point of the game is to score more points than the other team.” His mindset reflects the Bravos’ clear goal: after losing in the Wild Card round last season, they’re ready to make a deeper playoff run in 2025. Don’t miss the ELF Live Show! If you enjoy exciting interviews and behind-the-scenes conversations from the European League of Football, tune in every Friday at 12:00 CET for the ELF Live Show. Chat live with hosts and guests across YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok — wherever you like to watch! Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game in Stuttgart!

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

The Madrid Bravos have launched a new educational and sports initiative: the “Bravos School Tour by Lemon Tree Education.” The goal of this program is to bring American football closer to young people and promote the sport in schools across the Community of Madrid. The project is sponsored by Lemon Tree Education and introduces students to the basics of Flag Football — a non-contact version of American football that will be included in the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028. Throughout April and May, Bravos players and coaches will visit schools to run training clinics for students aged 10 to 15. Learning from the pros The first stop of the tour was Brains International School in Alcobendas, where students had the unique chance to learn from former NFL players Reid Sinnett and Aron Cruickshank, who are now part of the Madrid Bravos roster. “We’ve always said we’re here to help grow this sport in Spain,” said Jaime Martín, General Manager of Madrid Bravos. “American football is growing fast in our country, and we see it every game at Vallehermoso or with the arrival of the NFL at the Bernabéu.” Martín also emphasized the long-term goal: “Teaching the basics to young students is a great way to increase the number of licensed players in Madrid, especially working together with the Madrid Federation of American Football.” Next stop: Colegio Brewster The tour will continue with visits to five more schools. The next one is Colegio Brewster, located near Estadio Vallehermoso, the home field of the Madrid Bravos. This initiative is part of the team’s commitment to sports development, inclusion, and education through values and teamwork. Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game in Stuttgart!

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 Madrid Bravos have signed American defensive back Michael Witherspoon as their final import player for the 2025 season. Witherspoon brings a strong football background from college in the U.S. He played at East Carolina University (ECU), where he appeared in all 12 games in 2018, starting two of them. That season, he made 35 tackles, five pass breakups, and recovered two fumbles. Known for his speed and physical style, Witherspoon showed great skills in pass coverage and tackling. Experience across all levels Before ECU, he played two impressive seasons at Hutchinson Community College. There, he collected 74 tackles, 3 sacks, 18 pass breakups, and even blocked a kick. He helped his team to a strong season and gained attention for his consistent performances. His football journey started early — Witherspoon was a three-year starter in high school and was named county defensive player of the year as a senior. Witherspoon’s physical approach and leadership will strengthen the Bravos secondary and give their defense a big boost going into the new ELF season.Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

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 focus only on performance on the field — including consistency, impact, and position-specific stats. Today, we look at players ranked from #40 to #31. #40 Noah Touré In his first ELF season, Noah Touré made a strong impression. The young Austrian was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and became an important target for quarterback Ben Holmes. Touré is expected to play a key role again in 2025. #39 Tony Anderson After playing for the Raiders Tirol (2022) and Frankfurt Galaxy (2023), Tony Anderson had a great season with Rhein Fire. His turnovers and big tackles helped the team defend their ELF Championship title. #38 Yasir Raji Yasir Raji was another strong player for Rhein Fire last season. Now, he joins the Madrid Bravos with their new head coach Andrew Weidinger. As a powerful offensive lineman, Raji will be a key piece in both the pass and run game. #37 Sasan Jelvani Sasan Jelvani played an important role in Stuttgart Surge’s success in recent years. He was named to the ELF 2nd Team All-Star list in 2023 and continued to show strong leadership and performance on defense in 2024. #36 Samuel Higgs Samuel Higgs is the only punter in the ELF Top 100. With the Barcelona Dragons' offense struggling at times, Higgs had many chances to show off his powerful leg and consistent punting skills. Justin Rodney will also be hunting for touchdowns for the Munich Ravens in 2025. ©Lina Bollig #35 Justin Rodney  Justin Rodney had a breakout year. The German running back impressed with explosive runs and showed why he’s considered one of the best in the country. His great form made it clear why the Munich Ravens wanted him back. #34 James Brooks Even at 36 years old, James Brooks was one of the top pass rushers in the ELF. After another strong season, he now moves into coaching and will serve as Defensive Coordinator for the Prague Lions in 2025. #33 Pierre-Yves Majo   Pierre-Yves Majo had a fantastic first ELF season, earning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. After playing with the Helvetic Mercenaries, he now joins the Madrid Bravos for the 2025 season. #32 Carlos Hill Despite playing only nine games for the Cologne Centurions, Carlos Hill put up great numbers — 919 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. His explosive plays made him one of the top wide receivers of the season. Pablo Araya will once again be an important player for Madrid in 2025. ©Foot Bowl/Just Shots #31 Pablo Araya  Spanish safety Pablo Araya had a strong debut season in the ELF. He quickly became one of the league’s best defensive backs and was even a finalist for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. 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 2025 Championship Game 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 are all about performance on the field — taking into account consistency, impact, and position-specific stats. Today, we present the players ranked from #50 to #41. Wael Nasri will also be going after tackles for the Ravens in the upcoming season. ©Roland Johannes #50 Wael Nasri Wael Nasri is a true veteran of the ELF. He has played in the league since the first season and is known as one of the best tacklers in Europe. In 2024, he helped the Munich Ravens reach the playoffs with strong and consistent performances. #49 Mitchell Fettig Together with Simiram-Wilson, Mitchell Fettig formed one of the most dangerous defensive back duos in the league. Fettig impressed early in the season and finished with 5 interceptions, the second-best in the ELF for 2024. #48 William Patterson Wherever Willie Patterson goes, success follows. After winning a championship with Rhein Fire in 2023, he joined the Madrid Bravos and played another strong season. He is extremely versatile — lining up as a wide receiver, running back, and even quarterback. #47 Yannick Mayr Austrian receiver Yannick Mayr is known for his speed and explosiveness. He created many big plays and was a constant deep threat. That’s why the Vienna Vikings worked hard to bring him back as a key homegrown talent. #46 Lukas Holub Lukas Holub is one of the best offensive linemen in Europe. He was a key part of the protection for quarterback Ben Holmes. With great blocking in both passing and running plays, Holub earned his place in the ELF Top 100. #45 Nathaniel Robitaille Robitaille has been part of the ELF since 2022 and has always been a top performer. In 2024, he had a great season with the Fehérvár Enthroners, finishing with 953 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. Despite this, the team decided to go in a different direction and signed Rashad Still for the new season. #44 Lukas Haslwanter Even while sharing the workload with Tobias Bonatti, Haslwanter had a breakout year. The Austrian running back ran for 709 yards on 152 carries, showing excellent vision and power. He played a big role in the Raiders’ offense. #43 Florian Sudi Sudi was part of one of the most dominant defensive lines in the league. He made life very difficult for offensive linemen with his pass rush and run-stopping skills. Every time he was on the field, opposing offenses had problems. Lenny Krieg is now in the NFL and a kicker for the Atlanta Falcons. ©Svenja Sabatini #42 Lenny Krieg Lenny Krieg had an incredible season as kicker for the Stuttgart Surge. He was selected to the ELF First All-Star Team and even earned an invitation to the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. The Atlanta Falcons were impressed and signed him to a three-year contract. #41 Bijon Harris Bijon Harris joined the Cologne Centurions mid-season and quickly became one of the top defensive backs in the league. He made multiple turnovers and even scored on returns. As a return specialist, he also made big plays — easily earning his place in the ELF Top 100. More names coming soon as we move closer to the top! Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

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 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 - #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  

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.