Prague Lions

The European League of Football is entering its fifth season, and Week 1 already brings us some top-level matchups. After a long off-season, all teams have worked hard to build their rosters. To make it easier for ELF fans, we’ve created an overview of all players and their status for Game Week 1. With just one click on the name of a franchise, you can see their full Week 1 Roster Report and find out which players will be on the field this weekend. Game Week 1 Matchups: May 17, Saturday 18:00 CET – Fehérvár Enthroners at Wroclaw Panthers 18:00 CET – Rhein Fire at Paris Musketeers 20:00 CET – Hamburg Sea Devils at Madrid Bravos May 18, Sunday 13:00 CET – Nordic Storm at Helvetic Mercenaries 13:00 CET – Cologne Centurions at Berlin Thunder 13:00 CET – Raiders Tirol at Munich Ravens 16:25 CET – Vienna Vikings at Prague Lions 16:25 CET – Frankfurt Galaxy at Stuttgart Surge Get ready for an exciting start to the season! Get your tickets for the 2025 season

Welcome to the inaugural edition of our weekly series spotlighting the most exciting matchups in the European League of Football. As the 2025 season kicks off this Saturday, fans across Europe and around the world are eager to see how their teams will perform. This week, we will dive into three standout games that promise the perfect mix of excitement and storylines.  Paris Musketeers vs. Rhein Fire – A clash of titans  The 2025 ELF season opens with a must-watch matchup as the Paris Musketeers host the defending champions, Rhein Fire, on May 17th. Paris enters the season with renewed energy under the leadership of former NFL head coach Jack Del Rio, aiming to build upon their impressive 10-2 regular season record from 2024. Rhein Fire, known for their explosive offense and solid defense, will be a formidable opponent.  However, they have lost their star quarterback Jardrian Clark and their star running back Glen Toonga to the Nordic Storm over the offseason. This game not only sets the tone for both teams' seasons but also offers fans a glimpse into how the Musketeers will fare under new leadership against the reigning champions.  Munich Ravens vs. Raiders Tirol – A southern showdown  This Sunday, the Munich Ravens face off against the Raiders Tirol in a highly anticipated Bavarian showdown. The Ravens, entering their third season, have been steadily building a competitive roster and are ready to make a strong statement in their home opener. The Raiders, with a rich history and a reputation for disciplined play, will test what the Ravens are made of. This matchup is more than just a game; it's a battle for regional pride and a chance for both teams to establish early momentum in the season. Fans can look forward to a game filled with tactical depth, emerging talents, and the electrifying atmosphere that only a derby can provide.  Prague Lions vs. Vienna Vikings – A test of champions  Also on May 18th, the Prague Lions welcome the Vienna Vikings in a game that starts a rising team against a seasoned powerhouse. The Vikings, boasting a perfect 12-0 record in the previous regular season, are known for their robust defense and dynamic offense. Prague, eager to make their mark in the league, will view this game as an opportunity to challenge themselves against one of the ELF's elite teams right off the bat. The matchup offers a compelling narrative: can the underdogs disrupt the established dominance of the Vikings over the last years? With both teams aiming to start their seasons on a high note, this game promises intensity, strategic battles, and potential surprises that could shake up early league standings.  © Roland Johannes

One of the more interesting divisions in the ELF this upcoming season is the East Division, consisting of the Vienna Vikings, Ferhévár Enthroners, Prague Lions and Wroclaw Panthers. Let’s take a look at some of the top storylines from these four franchises. Can the Vikings run it back? The Vikings fell just short of the title game last September. Now they bring back several of their key contributors and have added new talent across the board. Head coach Chris Calaycay seems to have his squad dialed in for another run at the title. Look for the Vikings to have a lot of team chemistry as most of the 2024 team is back in purple.  Prague Lions roaring rebuild New head coach Dave Warner seems to have done a great job in the Czech Capital. The Lions have added several ELF veterans including Willie Patterson, Ja’Len Embry, and Jasper Friis. Prague has a long way to go to become a playoff team given their 2024 performance, however, the squad seems to be one of the most quickly rising teams in the ELF.    Star power in Poland The Wroclaw Panthers have stars such as Devan Burrell, Darrell Stewart Jr, and of course linebacker AJ Wentland back. The team has also added several key E imports and young homegrown talent. At quarterback, they hope that former Akron passer DJ Irons can be the answer behind center after using several quarterbacks last season.    Enthroners eager to win Long time NFL assistant coach Mark Ridgley became head coach of the Hungarian squad this off-season. The team also signed ex-Louisville quarterback Brock Dooman to be their leader behind center. They have also signed former D1 imports Rashad Still (WR) and Michael Badejo (DL) along with several promising homegrowns. Ridgley hopes to take the Enthroners squad to new heights after three consecutive loosing seasons.  Get Your ELF Game Pass on DAZN  

The time has finally come! The fifth season of the European League of Football is about to start. The time has finally come! Players, managers, and fans of Nordic Storm are certainly thinking the same thing. For the young franchise from Copenhagen, Denmark, May 18th, 2025 will be a very special day.  That's when Storm will not only play their first game in the European League of Football, but also their first game in franchise history. The team managers built an entire organization from scratch this offseason. The first success could be celebrated against the Helvetic Mercenaries.  However, a new ELF team was not always immediately successful in its first game in the European League of Football. We take a look at the first ELF games in the history of the current teams.  The Ferhévár Enthroners did not get off to a particularly good start. They opened the season with a clear 3:36 defeat at home against Berlin Thunder in 2023. The Wroclaw Panthers are the champions in season opening games. They haven't lost one yet, and accordingly won the first ELF game in franchise history. At home, the Panthers beat the Cologne Centurions 2021 in a spectacular game with 55:39.  The Prague Lions, on the other hand, suffered a defeat. They played their first ELF game at home in 2023. They lost 15:18 against the Leipzig Kings, who are no longer part of the ELF.  The last team in the East Division, however, was successful again. In 2022, the Vienna Vikings played away against the Raiders Tirol and won 29:23.     Berlin Thunder have been part of the ELF since 2021. They lost their first game at home 27:37 against the Leipzig Kings.  The Hamburg Sea Devils also started 2021, but they did a better job. In Hamburg, the Sea Devils beat Frankfurt Galaxy 17:15.  The current ELF champions Rhein Fire also won. In 2022, they also played their first game against Frankfurt Galaxy. Fire won 29:26 on the road.  The Helvetic Mercenaries lost their first game under their new name in 2024. The Barcelona Dragons won 23:19 in Switzerland. Madrid Bravos also competed in the ELF for the first time in 2024. The team from Spain won the Classico against the Barcelona Dragons by a clear 42:12.      The Munich Ravens, meanwhile, suffered a defeat at the start. They lost 38:59 at home against the Raiders Tirol in 2023. The Austrians were also unable to win their first game in 2022. The Raiders Tirol lost against the Vienna Vikings with 23:29. It was the only season opening game so far that was not won.  The Cologne Centurions have been part of the European League of Football since 2021. They lost their first game against the Wroclaw Panthers by a clear 39:55. Just like Frankfurt Galaxy. Only they didn't lose to the Panthers, but to the Sea Devils, and by a much narrower margin of 15:17. The Paris Musketeers have delighted their fans in two years in the ELF. This was also the case in the first franchise game in 2023, which they won 24:17 against the Cologne Centurions.  Stuttgart Surge were also successful in their first game, but in 2021. They won 21:17 away against Barcelona Dragons on the road. Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

The ELF season is here and the team rosters are set. With this article, you have the chance to take a look at your team’s roster. Here is the roster of the Prague Lions: Active Players Offense Quarterback #1 Javarian Smith (Quarterback) Running Back #11 Adam Žouželka (Running Back) #36 Pavel Juhász (Running Back) Tight End #88 Pavel Ševeček (Tight End) #84 Martin Havelka (Tight End) #85 Robert Valík (Tight End) Wide Receiver #7 Radim Kalous (Wide Receiver) #19 Josef Janota (Wide Receiver) #14 David Lukšan (Wide Receiver) #2 William Patterson (Wide Receiver) #18 Filip Kažmír (Wide Receiver) #82 Ondřej Chmela (Wide Receiver) #44 Michal Krátký (Wide Receiver) #12 Matyáš Bílý (Wide Receiver) #13 Tomáš Nguyen (Wide Receiver) Offensive Tackle #66 Benjamin Dixon (Offensive Tackle) #69 Jaroslav Hrdlička (Offensive Tackle) #65 Oliver Ďurč (Offensive Tackle) #77 Jasper Friis (Offensive Tackle) #56 Louis Burghes (Offensive Tackle) Offensive Guard #54 Benjamin Burghes (Offensive Guard) Center Defense Defensive Tackle #91 Jan Lipták (Defensive Tackle) #99 Jakub Smutný (Defensive Tackle) #97 Jan Vitvar (Defensive Tackle) #41 Jonáš Hlava (Defensive Tackle) #96 Martin Koval (Defensive Tackle) #95 Tomáš Jenček (Defensive Tackle) #92 Jakub Janoušek (Defensive Tackle) Defensive End #23 Jakub Ječný (Defensive End) #90 Jan Starý (Defensive End) #43 Marek Daník (Defensive End) #24 Lukáš Korim (Defensive End) #93 Daniel Pohořalý (Defensive End) Linebacker #40 Tomáš Pazourek (Linebacker) #52 Šimon Škrabiš (Linebacker) #50 Ondřej Kyloušek (Linebacker) #0 Arthur Kingdom (Linebacker) Cornerback #26 Štěpán Švec (Cornerback) #4 Ken Hike (Cornerback) #22 Charun Jachjajev (Cornerback) #6 Antonín Kvapil (Cornerback) #9 Jakub Rada (Cornerback) #25 Tyrus Wesley Guilford Jr. (Cornerback) Free Safety #8 Jan Krs (Free Safety) #5 Aleš Drhlík (Free Safety) Strong Safety #32 Lautaro Frecha (Strong Safety) Special Teams Kicker #80 Marek Hruboň (Kicker) Punter  Inactive Players Injured or PUP Players Offense Offensive Tackle #70 Lucas Soares (Offensive Tackle) Defense Cornerback #3 Jalen Embry (Cornerback) Practice Squad   If you want to take a closer look at each player, check out the player profiles on our website. Take a closer look at the roster of the Prague Lions

The ELF Fantasy Manager is back – better, faster, and fully updated! And here’s the best part: every week you can win prizes by being one of the top Fantasy Managers. To help you get started in this year’s Fantasy League, here’s a quick overview of players you should consider starting in Week 1 – and a few you might want to avoid. Build your team and join the action! Start’em – Week 1 Picks RB Tobias Bonatti – Raiders Tirol – 1,900,000 GC Tobias Bonatti was a key part of the Raiders Tirol offense last season before getting injured. Even though he missed games, he still finished among the top in rushing touchdowns. Now fully healthy, he’s ready to pick up where he left off. The only concern is the strong running back group in Tirol, which might limit his touches – but also keeps him fresh throughout the game. At this price, Bonatti offers great value. WR Daniel Pedro – Stuttgart Surge – 1,200,000 GC Daniel Pedro joined the Stuttgart Surge this offseason and brings even more strength to their wide receiver room. With top targets like Louis Geyer and Jeff Cotton Jr. drawing attention from defenders, Pedro could become QB Reilly Hennessey’s go-to man. He already proved himself in the GFL with the Potsdam Royals – now it’s his chance to shine in the ELF. TE Adrià Botella Moreno – Nordic Storm – 1,300,000 GC Moreno is known across the ELF as one of the best tight ends to ever play in the league. He’s an excellent blocker and receiver. He also has great chemistry with quarterback Jadrian Clark, since the two have played together before. Getting a top-tier tight end for this low price is a smart move for any fantasy team. Sit’em – Week 1 picks QB Russel Tabor – Munich Ravens – 3,600,000 GC Tabor joined the Munich Ravens with a 3-year contract after playing college football at North Carolina. He has potential, but this week he faces the strong Raiders Tirol defense – a tough challenge for any young QB. His high price and uncertain performance make him a risky pick for Week 1. QB Javarian Smith – Prague Lions – 1,900,000 GC Smith is back in the ELF after starting last season with the Hamburg Sea Devils. While he has good dual-threat skills and a great price, he’s playing against the Vienna Vikings, who had one of the best defenses in the league last season. It’s better to wait for a more favorable matchup. WR Austin Mitchell – Paris Musketeers – 3,200,000 GC Mitchell is one of the biggest playmakers in the ELF, but in Week 1, he faces the Rhein Fire defense – which was the best in points allowed and second-best against the pass last season. He’ll get a lot of defensive attention, and big plays might be hard to come by. Build your team and join the action! If you want to become a Fantasy Manager in the ELF, it’s easy! Build your dream team each week and compete with others across the league. Don’t forget: set your lineup before Saturday at 12:00 CET – after that, no changes can be made. Good luck – and may your team dominate in Week 1! Build your Fantasy team here!

The opening weekend of the 2025 ELF season is just a few days away. The fans are excited, the teams are prepared, and the big party can begin. Just don't lose and crash the party, right?  A defeat in the first game of the season can really reduce the euphoria. Especially if it is a clear defeat. It's worth taking a look at the statistics. Which teams have won their season-opening games most often?  Note: Since not all teams have been part of the European League of Football since 2021, not every team has played the same number of opening games. Therefore, the sorting is based on the percentage of success. The newly founded franchise Nordic Storm has not yet had an opening game and is therefore missing from the list. Some fans must be very strong now. Five franchises have not been able to win any of their season-opening games yet. Frankfurt Galaxy (2021: L, 2022: L, 2023: L, 2024: L) Fehérvár Enthroners (2023: L, 2024: L) Prague Lions (2023: L, 2024: L) Munich Ravens (2023: L, 2024: L) Helvetic Mercenaries (2023: L, 2024: L) Two other teams are slightly better, but still not in the best position. They were each only able to win a quarter of their season opening games.  Berlin Thunder (2021: L, 2022: L, 2023: W, 2024: L) Cologne Centurions (2021: L, 2022: W, 2023: L, 2024: L)     We have made it past the halfway mark. Of the three games, this franchise only lost one. Raiders Tirol (2022: L, 2023: W, 2024: W) We are getting closer to perfection. Nevertheless, there have been defeats.  Hamburg Sea Devils (2021: W, 2022: W, 2023: L, 2024: W) Stuttgart Surge (2021: W, 2022: L, 2023: W, 2024: W)   Let's move on to the elite. Fans of these five teams can statistically expect a victory in this year's opener. Wroclaw Panthers (2021: W, 2022: W, 2023: W, 2024: W) Vienna Vikings (2022: W, 2023: W, 2024: W) Rhein Fire (2022: W, 2023: W, 2024: W) Paris Musketeers (2023: W, 2024: W) Madrid Bravos (2024: W) The days of May 17 and 18, 2025, will show whether they can do it again this year. Because that's when the 2025 season of the European league of football finally begins. Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

As any fan of the European League of Football knows a team is only as good as its homegrowns. This year experts are noticing even more european talent across the league as many young talents hope to make a mark on the ELF this season. Lets take a look at 5 new European players looking to break out this season. WR Daniel Pedro - Stuttgart Surge Pedro was a key player for the Potsdam Royals in the 2024 season, helping them win the GFL championship. He impressed with 915 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in 15 games, proving himself as a reliable and explosive playmaker.   DE RJ Sagna - Helvetic Mercenaries Sagna is a physical freak measuring in at 1.97 108kg. The long armed and quick defensive end is committed to Penn State (NCAA DI). Before he goes off to compete in the highest level of college football Sagna hopes to improve his game in the ELF this season. RB Nico Barrow - Madrid Bravos The Finnish running back makes his highly anticipated ELF debut after years of putting up numbers in Finland and Germany’s domestic leagues. Barrow is a smooth but powerful runner who displays soft hands out of the backfield. Expect him to break out in Andrew Weidingers offense. RB Tim Tonko - Raiders Tirol The young running back has been a star on the Austrian national team before and even won the Austrian Football League’s “Young Star of the Year” award last season. Now he hopes to make the jump to the ELF and become a playmaker for his hometown Raiders Tirol.  LB Arthur Kingdom - Prague Lions The British national team linebacker spent last season playing for the Potsdam Royals of the German Football League. Kingdom hopes to show off his talent on the bigger stage now as he helps bring in a new era of Prague Lions football in 2025.  Get Your Ticket to the 2025 ELF Championship Game

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

In April, we are revealing the Top 100 graded players of the 2024 European League of Football season, based on SportsMetrics' advanced evaluation system. These rankings focus only on performance on the field — including consistency, impact, and position-specific stats. Today, we take a look at the players ranked from #30 to #21. #30 Tobias Bonatti Austrian running back Tobias Bonatti had another great season for the Raiders Tirol, even though an injury stopped him from playing the full year. In limited games, he still rushed for 750 yards and scored 13 touchdowns — earning his spot in the Top 100. Sven Breidenbach is one of the best offensive tackles in the league. ©Frederick Loewer  #29 Sven Breidenbach Sven Breidenbach is one of the key players behind Rhein Fire’s success. His strong performance on the offensive line helped the team win back-to-back ELF Championships. Breidenbach is respected across the European football scene. #28 Adrià Botella Moreno Tight end Adrià Botella Moreno is considered one of the best to ever play in the ELF. In 2024, he once again showed his talent with the Wroclaw Panthers. Even though the team had a mixed season, Moreno’s personal performance stood out. #27 Aleksandar Borkovic Serbian defensive back Aleksandar Borkovic impressed with his strong play for the Prague Lions in 2024. Now, with new homegrown rules in place, the Fehérvár Enthroners have added him to their roster as a valuable local talent. Rookie of the Year Milan Spiller is ready to go all out again in 2025. ©Just Shots #26 Milan Spiller Milan Spiller made history in his rookie ELF season by becoming the first European wide receiver to reach over 1,000 receiving yards. The Offensive Rookie of the Year will return to the Helvetic Mercenaries in 2025 as a top target for QB Isaiah Weed. #25 Jadrian Clark Championship Game MVP Jadrian Clark had a quieter season statistically compared to his 2023 MVP year — but he stepped up when it mattered most. His leadership and clutch play helped his team once again. Now, he joins the Nordic Storm as one of the ELF’s top quarterbacks. #24 Dauson Dales Linebacker Dauson Dales finished his career on a high note with the Paris Musketeers. He helped the team reach the semifinals and had a very strong final season before officially retiring from football. #23 Omari Williams Omari Williams has been in the ELF since day one — and now he's a three-time champion. Known for his consistency and ability to make big plays, Williams is tied as the all-time interception leader in the ELF. In 2025, he’ll aim to take the record for himself. Linebacker Zachary Blair played for the Milano Seamen in 2024. ©Marc Junge #22 Zachary Blair A true veteran of the league, Zach Blair played for several teams — including the Surge, Rams, and Centurions. In 2024, he suited up for the Milano Seamen and delivered strong performances, even though injuries shortened his season. #21 Karri Pajarinen Finnish running back Karri Pajarinen had a fantastic 2024 season for the Vienna Vikings. He totaled over 1,300 all-purpose yards and proved to be a dangerous weapon both on the ground and in the passing game — making him one of the top European imports in the league. 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!

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!

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 needs to know. Today, we take a look at the Prague Lions — a team that had a tough and mixed 2024 season. A new strategy for success? The Prague Lions joined the ELF in 2023 but have not had much success so far. In 24 games, they’ve only won twice. But going into 2025, the Lions might be ready to surprise some people. One reason is their new approach to building the roster. Instead of relying only on new faces, they’ve added import players who already know the league and have proven themselves. Willie Patterson will be hunting for touchdowns with Prague in 2025. ©Paula Romo Versatile playmaker Patterson One of the biggest names in their offense will be Willie Patterson. He showed his skills in 2023 with Rhein Fire, which led to him signing with the Madrid Bravos in 2024. There, he played a key role and impressed as a true all-around player — receiver, rusher, and even as an emergency quarterback. The Lions now hope Patterson can bring that same spark to their offense in 2025. Homegrown talent steps up The Lions lost a big piece of their defensive line during the off-season. James Brooks, their top defensive lineman, moved into a new role as the team’s defensive coordinator. Now, Czech talent Jakob Smutny is one of the players expected to take the next step in 2025. After recording 51 tackles, 2 sacks, and 14 tackles for loss last season, he’s shown the potential to become a real difference-maker on the defensive line. Jalen Embry will be a tough challenge for opposing receivers. ©Paula Romo Double trouble in the defensive backfield With Brooks moving to coaching, the Lions also changed their strategy with American imports. Instead of one American on the line and one in the backfield, they now have two American defensive backs. One of them is Ja’Len Embry, who also played for the Madrid Bravos last year. He was one of the top cornerbacks in the league before an injury stopped his season. Embry was on track to be one of the interception leaders and is known for shutting down wide receivers. The Lions hope he can bring that same energy and lockdown ability to Prague. Dave Warner has taken over as the new head coach of the Prague Lions. ©Mike Mulholland_MLive.com Coaching boost from Madrid The Lions also made a big change on the sidelines. Dave Warner, the former offensive coordinator of the Bravos, is now the new head coach. Warner helped lead one of the best offenses in the league last year — fifth in scoring and sixth in total yards. Now he brings his experience to Prague, along with a few familiar faces, and gets the chance to show what he can do as a head coach. The Prague Lions are clearly heading in a new direction. With strong additions on and off the field, they might become one of the surprise teams of the 2025 ELF season. Fans should definitely keep an eye on this team.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!

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