Munich Ravens

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!  

    Following day 3 of the NFL Draft the New York Jets signed former ELF player Leander Wiegand as an undrafted free agent. The former ELF champion and All-Star now takes his talents from Germany to the big stage in the NFL. Wiegand joined the NFL's International Player Pathway Program this year along with fellow ELF players, Maceo Beard, Lenny Krieg, and Bastian Roppelt. Wiegand impressed scouts on his pro day with a eyebrow raising performance. Wiegand had 38 reps on the bench press test, 5 more than any other player at the NFL combine this year.  Wiegand is now the second ELF player this off-season to be signed by the NFL as former Stuttgart Surge kicker Lenny Krieg  signed with the Atlanta Falcons earlier this spring.  The talented German lineman played one season at University of Central Florida (NCAA D1) before returning to Germany in 2022 playing for the Cologne Centurions that season. The following season Wiegand was a key part of the Rhein Fire's championship offensive line earning 1st team All ELF Honors. 2024, marked another move as Wiegand joined the Munich Ravens, where he was coached by NFL Hall of famer Joe Thomas.  The 25-year old, 196 cm and 137 kg lineman now makes a huge jump from the ELF to the NFL with the New York Jets. Get Your Tickets to the ELF Championship!  

With our new article series, we’re introducing all 16 European League of Football franchises for the 2025 season. We highlight the top stars every fan should know. Today, we take a look at the Munich Ravens, who are heading into their third ELF season after a strong 2024 campaign and their first-ever playoff appearance. Big changes after a successful season Last season, the Ravens impressed with strong performances on both sides of the ball. They reached the playoffs, losing a close Wild Card game to the Paris Musketeers. Their defense was a highlight — ranking 4th in points allowed and 1st in total yards allowed. Offensively, they were the second-best scoring team in the league. Despite this success, the team had to replace many key players in the off-season. Russel Tabor is the new QB1 of the Munich Ravens. ©Jim Hawkins / Inside Carolina Young QB to replace star veteran One of the biggest losses was quarterback Chad Jeffries. Jeffries joined the Ravens in their first ELF season and was a key player for the team. He was an MVP nominee in 2023 and played very well in 2024, before signing with Rhein Fire this offseason. To replace him, the Ravens turned to young talent Russel Tabor. At just 22 years old, Tabor played college football at North Carolina (NCAA Division 1). Last season, he played for Osos Rivas in Spain, where he led the league in passing yards, passing touchdowns, and total touchdowns — guiding his team to a championship. Wael Nasri has the second-most tackles in ELF history. ©Roland Johannes Defensive star Wael Nasri returns One of the best tacklers in ELF history is staying in Munich: Wael Nasri. The French linebacker has been in the league since 2021, playing for Berlin Thunder and Frankfurt Galaxy before joining the Ravens. He was an All-Star in 2021 and made the Second Team in 2023. Nasri has the second-most tackles in ELF history and is a key leader in the Ravens' defense. Cole Coleman is now hunting for interceptions with the Ravens. ©Hannes Jirgal NFL experience for the secondary To improve the secondary, the Ravens signed Cole Coleman. Coleman brings NFL experience, having been part of the Indianapolis Colts. He also played three games for the Vienna Vikings in 2024, where he showed his talent with several tackles, pass deflections, and an interception he returned for 39 yards. Coleman will help lift the Ravens' pass defense to the next level. Coaching stability with Kendral Ellison At head coach, the Ravens continue with Kendral Ellison, who joined before the 2024 season. Ellison is a defensive-minded coach who previously worked as defensive coordinator for the Hamburg Sea Devils, where he built one of the best defenses in the ELF. 2025 will be his second season as Ravens head coach, and his fifth year coaching in the league. With exciting new talent and strong leadership, the Munich Ravens are ready to take the next step and compete for a championship in 2025.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 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 Munich Ravens are one of seven teams going into the 2025 ELF season with a “Rookie” ELF quarterback. The Bavarian squad will go into its third season, there are some new faces leading them into 2025. At quarterback, former North Carolina Tar Heel, Russell Tabor will lead the Ravens. Tabor has had success in Europe before playing for the Osos Rivas in Madrid Spain in 2024. Now he looks to fill some big shoes left by the departure of ELF All-Star quarterback Chad Jeffries.  Why the Munich Ravens? For Tabor, the decision to join the Ravens was a exciting opportunity to be part of something special: “I chose Munich because of a number of reasons. Most importantly, I strongly believe in the alignment and vision of the organization from ownership, to management, to the coaching staff. That paired with the existing talent on the roster made me confident we will be a strong contender this year and moving forward.  “ Since arriving in Munich, Tabor has been fully focused on football. But as the summer goes on he’s excited to take advantage of one of Europe’s best cities.  “I haven’t had too much time yet to explore Munich but I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve experienced so far and looking forward to seeing and learning more. I’ve heard it’s the best place to be once the weather starts to get warmer, so I’m excited to enjoy the city in the summer.” Adjusting to a new team and city Tabor hasn’t been in Munich long but he’s looking forward to taking over at quarterback for what has always been one of the league’s most exciting offenses. The Ravens return running back  Justin Rodney, as well as homegrown receiver Marvin Rutsch. Munich should also announce their second American import on offense soon.  “I’m excited to play ball. It feels like forever since I laced up the cleats in Spain and I’m really eager to get back out there with my new teammates and do what I love.” Pre-season begins! Now that practices are picking up and teams are officially in pre-season mode, Tabor has been very impressed with the talent around him. “I’ve really enjoyed meeting everyone. My teammates and coaches have all welcomed me with open arms, and I can’t wait to start playing with them”Get Your Tickets to the 2025 ELF Championship game!

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

The Munich Ravens have extended their contract with a real powerhouse. Hiswill Awuah will remain a Raven next season.  The 24-year-old is a dominant defensive tackle who has been proving his skills in the European League of Football since 2021. He made his debut for the Hamburg Sea Devils, where he was nominated for the team Rookie of the Year award in 2021. Sean Shelton, Director Sports Operations of the Munich Ravens, is excited about the deal: "Hiswill is, both literally and figuratively, a massive addition to our defensive line. His presence—on and off the field—elevates everyone around him." In 2023, he was named the twelfth best player in Europe in the ELF Top 100 list. This year, Awuah is ranked 94th. Since 2024, the D-lineman has been playing for the Munich Ravens, where he quickly became a central component of the defensive line. Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

The Munich Ravens continue to build their 2025 roster by bringing back one of their top performers from last season. Wide receiver Malik Stanley will stay with the team and is expected to play a key role in helping young quarterback Russel Tabor in the upcoming season. A reliable weapon returns Stanley was one of the top wide receivers in the European League of Football last season. Even though he only played in eight games, he made a huge impact — catching 36 passes for 727 yards and 10 touchdowns. His performance was a big reason the Ravens made it to the playoffs.With Stanley back on the field, the Munich Ravens are hoping to take the next big step and push toward a Championship Game appearance in 2025. His chemistry with Tabor and experience in the league could be a game-changer for the team’s success this year.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 #70 to #61. #70 Darragh Leader  Darragh Leader was a scoring machine for the Raiders Tirol. The Irish kicker was one of the most reliable in the ELF last season. Whether it was a field goal or an extra point, Leader got the job done. His accuracy gave the Raiders a strong boost in close games. For now, it’s still unknown where he’ll play in 2025. Stanley was one of the best receivers last season. ©Roland Johannes #69 Malik Stanley  A well-known name across the league, Malik Stanley showed once again why he's one of the ELF’s top receivers. Despite playing fewer games last season, the American wideout still finished with elite numbers for the Munich Ravens. His ability to make big plays secured him a well-deserved spot in the Top 100. #68 Jakob Sullivan  Jakob Sullivan is a true ELF veteran and a former champion. The American quarterback led the league in passing yards in 2024. While the season didn’t go as planned for Berlin Thunder, Sullivan proved that he remains one of the top QBs in Europe. Joc Crawford plays for the Mercenaries in the 2025 season. ©Eric Ribé #67 Joc Crawford  Even at age 37, Joc Crawford keeps performing at a high level. Last season, he played for the Milano Seamen and brought energy and power to their offense. For 2025, he joins the Helvetic Mercenaries, showing no signs of slowing down. #66 Isaiah Weed  Another exciting addition for the Mercenaries is QB Isaiah Weed. Known for his dual-threat ability, Weed can beat defenses through the air and on the ground. His explosive style made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch last season. #65 Ryan Rimmler  Ryan Rimmler had a tough start to the season, but he improved each week. His biggest moment? A record-breaking 60-yard field goal — the longest in ELF history. That one kick alone made headlines across the league. The Hamburg Sea Devils got top cornerback Roedion Henrique. ©Petra Kutasi #64 Roedion Henrique  Henrique is one of the most consistent defensive backs in the league. Last season with the Enthroners, he made several big plays and proved once again why he’s a top DB. For 2025, he’s headed to the Hamburg Sea Devils to bring experience and leadership to the secondary. #63 Martin Pinter Martin Pinter made a name for himself last season with the Cologne Centurions. His ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback caught the attention of the Frankfurt Galaxy, who signed him for 2025. Pinter brings toughness and production to an already strong defense. #62 Sandro Platzgummer  The former New York Giants running back showed his elite talent in the ELF. Platzgummer was a key part of the Galaxy’s offense and formed a strong duo with QB Matthew McKay. In 2025, he'll team up with Gerald Ameln to create a dangerous backfield. Marius Kensy wants to win the third title in a row for Rhein Fire. ©Fabio Deinert #61 Marius Kensy Marius Kensy was one of the best linebackers in the league last season. With 94 tackles and 2 sacks, he played a big role in Rhein Fire’s Championship-winning season. He’s back for 2025 and ready to lead the defense again. Stay tuned as we continue to count down the Top 100 players of the 2024 ELF season — with more stars, stats, and stories to come! Get your tickets for the Championship Game in Stuttgart!

We are only 5 weeks away from the start of the 2025 season here in the European League of Football. Let’s see what last minute moves are being made as teams look to complete their rosters before training camp. 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.    Stuttgart Surge recharge with talent The Stuttgart Surge are bringing back outstanding defensive back Raheem Simiram-Wilson. The ex-CFL starter and Schwabisch Hall Unicorn returns for his second season in Stuttgart, after recording 6 interceptions, 162 interception return yards, 5 pass break-ups, and 2 tackles for loss — all in just 10 regular season games. Simiram-Wilson will be joined once again by homegrowns Lasse Engel and Konstantin Katz. At quarterback they will also bring back 23-year old quarterback Lars Heidrich who filled in admirably for Reilly Hennessey at times last year.  Berlin Thunder sign D1 American WR The Berlin Thunder have finally signed their second American import as receiver Jeremiah Webb joins veteran quarterback Jakeb Sullivan on offense. Webb caught 6 passes for 659 yards and 5 touchdowns last fall for the South Alabama Jaguars(NCAA D1).  Enthroners beef up the offensive line The Fehérvár Enthroners continue to build their roster for the 2025 season by adding offensive lineman Tomás Middleton. The Panamanian talent will play a key role in protecting quarterback Brock Domann. Middleton has experience playing in Mexico and for the Barcelona Dragons in the ELF.  Paris Musketeers sign All-American DL The Paris Musketeers have signed defensive tackle Lamonte McDougle. The former All-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, Washington State, and UTSA during his college career. He was a standout in the GFL in 2024 for the Dresden Monarchs.   Get Your Tickets to the ELF Championship!    

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!

The Munich Ravens are bringing back defensive lineman Etuale "EJ" Lui. The New Zealander is back for his third season in Munich as the former rugby player contines to get better on the gridiron.  ELF and NFL IPP experience Lui was limited to only 7 games last season for the Ravens as he battled injuries, even so he made 17 tackles, 6.5 tackles for a loss, and 1.5 sacks. In 2023, Lui also had 21 tackles, 4 tackles for a loss, and 2 sacks.   Lui joined the Ravens and the ELF in 2023 after taking part in the NFL IPP program. He was scouted in New Zealand by NFL scouts as a Rugby player and was one of 12 players selected to the NFL International Player Pathway Program in 2023. There he trained with  A bruising running back The Kiwi has experience running the ball from years of playing Rugby in his home country. This year he showed that off for the Ravens rushing for a touchdown last season from the fullback spot. Expect Lui to get the ball in certain spots next season as the big man has speed and explosiveness.  Get Your Tickets to the ELF Championship!  

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  

The Munich Ravens are bringing back talented young cornerback Christoph Nitzlnader for his second season with the franchise.  A young talent returns to Munich The Austrian defensive back played in all 12 games for the Ravens last season making 44 tackles, 6 pass break ups, one blocked kick, and one interception, as the Ravens made the playoffs for the first time in their history.  Prior to joining the Ravens in 2024, the 22 year old played for his hometown Raiders Tirol for two seasons notching 84 tackles, two interceptions, and 13 pass break ups. An impressive 2022 season earned him a nomination for the “defensive rookie of the year” award. The E-import returns with several players on defense including Wael Nasri, Johannes Zirngibl, and Kevin Titz.  Get Your Ticket to the 2025 ELF Championship Game  

The Munich Ravens have announced two important signings for the upcoming season. In addition to a contract extension, the team has signed another A-import. Defensive back Cole Coleman joins the Ravens. The 24 US-American signs a one-year contract. Coleman already knows the European League of Football. Last season he played for the Vienna Vikings, with whom he reached the Championship Game.  Before his time in the ELF, he played for Elon Phoenix, the NFL team Indianapolis Colts and the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the CFL. In the middle of the 2024 season, he transferred to the Vikings, for whom he played three games. But Coleman already showed what he was made of, scoring a couple of tackles, pass deflections and an interception that he returned for 39 yards. Wael Nasri remains a Raven In addition to the signing of Coleman, the Munich franchise announced another important deal. Wael Nasri signed a new contract for the upcoming season. The athletic linebacker is entering his fifth season in the ELF. In addition to the Ravens, the Frenchman has already played for the Berlin Thunder and Frankfurt — where he always was a starter. Wael Nasri stays in Munich ©Roland Johannes. In 46 games in the European League of Football, Nasri made 405 tackles, including 22 for loss and 10.5 sacks. He also had five pass deflections, one interception and four forced fumbles. Nasri was selected to the All-Star Team in 2021 and 2023. The Munich Ravens have therefore added two more key players to their team and their defense.  Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

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 Munich Ravens have signed British offensive lineman Chinazo "CK" Obobi for the 2025 season. The 22-year-old brings size, strength, and experience to the team, making him a key player in protecting quarterback Russell Tabor.   A journey through top programs   Obobi, who stands at 195 cm and weighs 145 kg, has developed his skills at some of the top football programs. He started his career with the London Blitz U19 team before moving to the U.S. to play at Laney College. He then advanced to Division 1 football, playing for Marshall University and later Austin Peay University.   His talent has been recognized at a high level. In 2022, he was ranked as the #1 offensive lineman from Europe in his class by Europe’s Elite and was named Offensive Freshman of the Year.   With this signing, the Munich Ravens continue to build a strong offensive line, ensuring their quarterback has the best possible protection in the upcoming season. Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

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

The Munich Ravens have announced their first American player on defense for the 2025 season. Linebacker Dexter Fitzpatrick will join the team and bring stability to their defense. The Ravens had one of the best defenses in the league last season, and Fitzpatrick is expected to help keep it that way.   Strong college performance   Fitzpatrick played for Mars Hill University in recent seasons and made a strong impression last year. In just nine games, he recorded 88 tackles and 4.5 sacks, showing his ability to make big plays. Now, he is ready to bring his talent to Europe and strengthen the Munich Ravens' defense. Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

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

The Munich Ravens have strengthened their defensive backfield with homegrown talent as Nico Leiderer returns for his second season in the European League of Football.   Gaining experience in his first season   Leiderer made his ELF debut last season and quickly proved his potential as a rotational player. In nine games, he recorded 15 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one interception, showing his ability to make big plays on defense.   As he enters his second year with the Ravens, Leiderer will look to build on his experience and continue to develop as a key part of the team’s defense. Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game in Stuttgart!

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

The Munich Ravens have strengthened their offensive line by signing British lineman Daniel Bilesanmi. He joins the team from the German Football League (GFL), where he played for the Berlin Adler. Now, he will help protect young quarterback Russel Tabor in Munich.   Proven talent from the GFL   At just 23 years old, Bilesanmi has already made a name for himself in the GFL. His strong performances earned him a spot in the league’s “Offensive Line of the Week” selection twice. With his skills and experience, he will be a valuable addition to the Ravens’ offensive front. Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game in Stuttgart!

The Munich Ravens continue to build their roster for the 2025 season, and with the signing of Dominik Schmid, they have made a strong move. Last season, Schmid played for the Allgäu Comets in the GFL, where he established himself as a true tackling machine.   One of the top tacklers in the GFL   In the German Football League, the German linebacker impressed with 118 tackles, two sacks, one interception, and three forced fumbles in just 13 games. With these numbers, he ranked third in total tackles across the entire league.   A key piece for a strong defense The Ravens hope that Schmid will be a key addition in their efforts to build another dominant defense. Last season, Munich had the fewest allowed yards in the ELF and ranked as the fourth-best defense in terms of points allowed.   Now, all eyes are on the Munich Ravens’ defense to see if they can repeat their success and remain one of the top defensive units in the league. Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

The Munich Ravens continue to strengthen their running back corps following the departure of Tomiwa Oyewo. After re-signing young talent Benedikt Pohler and breakout star Justin Rodney, the team has now secured the services of Simon Homadi, who previously spent four seasons with the Hamburg Sea Devils.   A journey through German football   Homadi’s football journey began with the Hamburg Blue Devils from 2015 to 2017 before he moved to the United States in 2018 to play for the Western Reserve Academy Pioneers. Upon returning to Germany, he joined the Hamburg Young Huskies in 2019 and 2020 before making the jump to the European League of Football with the Hamburg Sea Devils in 2021.   An experienced ELF veteran   There are not many players who have been part of the ELF since its inaugural season and are still competing at the highest level in 2025. Homadi is one of those players. Throughout his ELF career, he has recorded 284 carries for 969 rushing yards and one touchdown.   After four seasons with the Sea Devils, Homadi is now taking on a new challenge in Munich. The Ravens have consistently had a strong rushing attack, and it will be exciting to see how Homadi contributes to their ground game in the upcoming season. Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

Leander Wiegand, a dominant offensive lineman in the European League of Football, is now taking on his biggest challenge yet — the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) Program. After playing for the Cologne Centurions, Rhein Fire, and Munich Ravens over the past three seasons, Wiegand has earned recognition as a top player in Europe. He was named a 1st Team All-Star in 2023 and a 2nd Team All-Star in 2024. Now, he has the opportunity to prove himself on the biggest stage.   A life-changing phone call   Wiegand found out about his IPP selection while he was at university. "I got a call from Dom, but I missed it at first. So, I left my lecture to call him back, and that’s when he told me the news. It was an incredible moment of happiness because I’ve worked for this opportunity for so many years. It’s something really special, especially being able to share it with my loved ones."   Representing Germany and Europe   For Wiegand, being part of the IPP is more than just a personal achievement — it’s a chance to represent German and European football. "It means a lot to me to represent Germany and Europe. I’m really proud of that. I want to show how good German and European football is. But it’s not just about talent — I also want to represent my country with discipline and work ethic. Being on time, making a strong impression, and always giving my best are things I take very seriously."   A grueling daily routine   The IPP Program is intense, with long days filled with training, meetings, and preparation. "We wake up early and start with meetings after breakfast. Then we have speed drills, working on things like the 40-yard dash and change-of-direction drills. After that, we hit the gym — twice a week for upper body and twice for lower body. After lunch and a short break, we go for treatments, followed by football practice. The day ends with more meetings, dinner, and sometimes even extra film study."   The hardest part, according to Wiegand, is maintaining a high level of focus every single day. "The days are long, and you have to keep your standards high. It’s easy to fall into a routine, but I make sure I stay motivated and treat every session like it’s the most important one. I also have my own extra routine at night, watching more film, doing core workouts, or stretching to keep my ankles strong. I want to be at my best after these 10 weeks so I can take the next step."   Goals for the Pro Day   Wiegand is focused on improving all of his physical performance numbers before the IPP Pro Day. "I want to get better in every category. I have goals written on my mirror—like benching over 100 kg more than 40 times, running the L-Drill in under 7.4 seconds, jumping over 33.5 inches in the vertical, and getting over 9.1 feet in the broad jump. I want to improve in everything."   Learning from the best   When it comes to role models, Wiegand looks up to all European players who have made it to the NFL. "It’s really tough to make it from Europe to the NFL, so I respect every player who has done it. But if I had to pick one player to study, it would be Chris Lindstrom from the Atlanta Falcons. In my opinion, he’s the best right guard in the NFL, and his technique is incredible."   Handling the pressure   With only a few spots available, competition in the IPP Program is intense. However, Wiegand stays focused on himself. "Of course, I know that not many players make it. And now, it’s even harder because there are no guaranteed IPP roster spots anymore. You’re competing with everyone in the world. The higher you go, the higher the pressure gets. But I don’t let that get to me because I know what I can do. I believe I belong in the NFL, and that’s enough for me. I just focus on myself and do my thing."   He also has a positive mindset when it comes to competition. "I was talking to Lenny Krieg, the German kicker, and he made all of his kicks. Some people might think that’s bad for me because if he gets picked, maybe my chances go down. But I don’t see it that way. If I’m good enough for the NFL, I’ll make it—simple as that. Of course, you need a little luck, but I try not to think too much about others. I just focus on my own journey."   Eyes on the future   Leander Wiegand has already proven himself as one of the best offensive linemen in Europe. Now, he is fully focused on making the most of this opportunity in the IPP Program. With his talent, work ethic, and mindset, he is determined to take the next step toward his NFL dream. Get your tickets for the ELF 2025 Championship Game!

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

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

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