Raiders Tirol

With less than a month to go before the start of the season, the Raiders Tirol have added another import player to their roster. Miche Vandekerkhof will now strengthen the defensive line of the Austrian franchise. Last season, Vandekerkhof played for the New Yorker Lions in the German Football League. In 12 games, he recorded 26 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery. His solid performances made him stand out as a dependable defensive lineman. A strong defense gets even better In 2024, the Raiders Tirol had one of the strongest defenses in the ELF. They allowed the sixth fewest points and the fifth fewest yards in the league. With the addition of Vandekerkhof, the Raiders are adding more strength and depth to an already tough defensive unit. “First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to continue playing the game I love. I’m excited to join the Raiders Tirol and compete at the highest level in Europe. Let’s get to work, Go Raiders!” Vandekerkhof said. Get your tickets for the Championship Game 2025!

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!

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!

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!

The 2025 ELF season is approaching quickly as we have just 5 weeks to go until kickoff. With the excitement of the new season there has been a ton of buzz around the new wave of talent coming into the league bringing with it more NFL experience. HC Jack Del Rio - Paris Musketeers The longtime NFL head coach was easily the biggest splash signing of the off-season. Del Rio was a NFL head coach for 12 seasons winning 93 games and making four playoff appearances. The NFL player turned head coach is best known for spending 9 seasons as the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003 - 2011.    QB Reid Sinnett - Madrid Bravos It is very rare in Europe to have a quarterback who spent a significant amount of time in the NFL. Sinnett spent time with 4 different NFL franchises.  Sinnet shuffled between on the active roster during the regular season and the practice squad for the Cincinnati Bengals, Miami Dolphins, and Philadelphia Eagles. He also was a starter in the XFL and UFL before signing with the Bravos this off-season.  WR Keelan Cole - Helvetic Mercenaries While many ELF players come to the league with experience from NFL minicamp or pre-season, Cole brings a new level to the league. The speedy pass catcher played 7 seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Jets, amassing over 3K total yards and 15 touchdowns.  Keelan Cole's playmaking ability and impressive NFL career raised eyebrows around the league as he announced he would be joining the Mercenaries.    DB Channing Stribling - Frankfurt Galaxy Stribling is reunited with head coach Bart Andrus in Frankfurt, the two worked together in the USFL previously as Stribiling was an All-Star for the league’s Philadelphia Stars. Stribling, a former Michigan defensive back,  has a long career bouncing between the NFL, CFL, and other pro spring leagues such as the AAF, USFL, and UFL.  Overall he spent time with 6 NFL teams since 2017 playing in the pre-season and practice squad.  WR Aron Cruickshank -  Madrid Bravos Cruickshank impressed scouts with a solid career at Rutgers and Wisconsin playing both receiver and kick returner. Following the 2024 NFL Draft he was signed by the Chicago Bears. Cruickshank was however released, and then played one preseason game in late august for the Pittsburgh Steelers before being waived.  WR Rory Starkey Jr. - Rhein Fire Starkey is a big body receiver who put up impressive numbers at his Pro Day, including a 4.45 40-yard dash, a 36-inch vertical jump, and a 10 '3 broad jump. He signed with the Green Bay Packers spending the off-season there, before moving on to the UFL in 2024.   WR Terry Wright - Frankfurt Galaxy Wright played for Galaxy head coach in the USFL in 2022, prior to that he spent time on the practice squad with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, and Seattle Seahawks. The former Purdue receiver also played in the CFL and UFL most recently.  DB Aaron Maddox - Raiders Tirol Maddox played for the University of Colorado and Campbell University before spending some time with the Indianapolis Colts. Get Your Ticket to the 2025 ELF Championship game!  

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

In the coming month of April, we will be releasing the top 100 graded players of the 2024 season according to sportsmetrics. The grades reflect the individual's performance on the field. Grading System for Players and Teams SportsMetrics Grades evaluate both individual players and teams based on their performance in a single game as well as the entire season. The grades are designed to provide an accurate and comprehensive assessment of a player’s performance in different categories such as passing, rushing, receiving, defense, and kicking. Each category is further divided into player positions, such that each player’s performance is evaluated against other players in the same position. The grades are designed to be scalable for different player positions, meaning that a linebacker’s performance is compared to other linebackers in each category. Weighted Metrics Each category in the SportsMetrics grading system sets different weights on statistical in-game metrics. These metrics are then weighted based on their importance to the category to provide an accurate evaluation of a player’s performance. This ensures that the grading system is fair and objective, and the players’ performance is evaluated based on the metrics that matter the most in each category. Comparison and Scaling To compare and scale the teams’ and players’ performance, SportsMetrics Grades use a specially fitted sigmoid function. This function ensures that the grades are scaled appropriately, and the players’ performance is evaluated accurately based on the metrics in each category. The stats are compared with the overall distribution of league performance in each category and then weighted by the category weights. Limitations While SportsMetrics Grades provides an accurate and unbiased evaluation of the players and teams, it has some limitations. Currently, it is technically not possible to rate offensive line players accurately. Thus, those players were rated by expert opinions. Additionally, the ratings for defensive backs should be read cautiously, as the best defensive backs may not have the best numbers since quarterbacks try to avoid throwing in their direction. Don't miss a single ELF Game - Get your Game Pass Players Overview ELF x Sports Metrics Top 100 Graded Players - #100-#91 ELF x Sports Metrics Top 100 Graded Players - #90-#81 ELF x Sports Metrics Top 100 Graded Players - #80-#71 ELF x Sports Metrics Top 100 Graded Players - #70-#61 ELF x Sports Metrics Top 100 Graded Players - #60-#51  

The new European League of Football season is getting closer, with the first games kicking off on May 17. Over the past month, many teams have made big signings to strengthen their rosters. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest moves from March.   New weapons for Clark   Nordic Storm has added more firepower to its offense, giving quarterback Jadrian Clark new targets. Wide receiver Brendan Beaulieu joins from the Potsdam Royals after winning the German Bowl last season. He will take the team’s receiving corps to a top level.   Another big signing is Adrià Botella Moreno, considered the best tight end in the ELF and a multiple-time All-Star. For him, this is a reunion with Clark, as both played together for the Hamburg Sea Devils in 2021.   Playmakers for the Raiders   The Raiders Tirol made four key signings in March, strengthening both offense and defense. Wide receiver Jacorey Sullivan will be a top target for quarterback Connor Miller, bringing big-play ability to the team. Alongside him, homegrown star Tobias Bonatti has re-signed after an impressive season. Bonatti is one of the best running backs in the ELF and will add versatility to the offense.   Defensively, the Raiders added two athletic playmakers. Aaron Maddox and Dijion Walls are known for their ability to create turnovers. This American duo in the Raiders’ defensive backfield will be a nightmare for opposing offenses.   NFL experience for the Galaxy   Frankfurt Galaxy made strong additions on both offense and defense. Running back Sandro Platzgummer returns to the team after spending time in the NFL with the New York Giants. He will be a key piece in helping the Galaxy bounce back from a disappointing 2024 season.   On defense, Frankfurt signed Channing Stribling, a proven leader. Stribling played college football at Michigan and has been part of five different NFL teams. He also showed his skills in the UFL and CFL. His experience will be crucial in strengthening the Galaxy’s secondary.     College power for the Vikings   The Vienna Vikings used their last A-spot to sign defensive back Dennis Amani. Amani played college football and gained experience in the CFL and USFL. In 2019, he even attended the Cleveland Browns’ mini-camp. He will team up with Divine Buckrham to challenge opposing quarterbacks.   On offense, the Vikings added Victor Stoffel to their offensive line. The Swedish lineman played for Temple University and the University of California, Berkeley. Now, he returns to Europe to help the Vikings in their quest for the ELF Championship.   Offensive support for the Surge   Stuttgart Surge has been very active in the off-season, re-signing many key players while also adding new talent to their defensive line, secondary, and linebacker group. Wide receiver Daniel Pedro, a 2024 German Bowl champion with the Potsdam Royals, will be a key target for quarterback Reilly Hennessey. He brings strong stats and championship experience.   In the backfield, Stuttgart added another playmaker in running back Tomiwa Oyewo. Oyewo impressed last season with the Munich Ravens and will now look to make an impact for the Surge in 2025.   A strong March for the ELF   With these signings, many ELF teams have taken big steps toward their goals for the 2025 season. With just a few weeks left until kickoff, fans can look forward to an exciting and competitive year of football.Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

One of the most productive running backs in recent seasons, Tobias Bonatti, has re-signed with the Raiders Tirol. Bonatti had his best season last year before an injury slowed him down.   Bonatti is no stranger to the ELF. Since the Raiders' debut season in 2022, he has been part of the team and has improved every year.   Impressive career stats   Bonatti’s ELF career stats are outstanding. In 34 games, including 18 as a starter, he recorded 1,997 yards and 25 touchdowns. He is the second all-time leader in rushing touchdowns in the ELF, with only Glen Toonga ahead of him.   With Bonatti back on the team, the Raiders strengthen their offense with a proven playmaker who has already made a big impact in the league.   The running back is confident about the upcoming season:   "Last season was the start of a new era — a chance to find our rhythm. The foundation’s built, the lessons learned, and now it’s time to claim what’s ours. Let’s remind everyone what it means to play like a Raider again."   Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

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!

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

The Raiders have strengthened their offense with the signing of former XFL wide receiver Jacorey Sullivan. The talented pass-catcher, who previously played for the Seattle Sea Dragons and Central Michigan, will bring size, physicality, and playmaking ability to the team.   A proven playmaker  Sullivan had an impressive college career at Central Michigan, where he played for five seasons. He earned First Team All-MAC honors in 2019 and finished his time with the Chippewas as a key offensive weapon. In his best season (2021), he recorded 687 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, showing his ability to make big plays. After college, he continued his professional career with the Seattle Sea Dragons in the XFL.   A deep threat for the Raiders   Head coach Jim Herrmann is excited about Sullivan’s potential: "The first thing that came to my mind while evaluating Jacorey's film was that we just found our deep ball guy. He is a big, physical player at the reception point, and his route running is crisp with no wasted movement."   General Manager Ulz Däuber also praised the new signing: "Jacorey is not only a tremendous WR but also a great leader on the field. His physicality and attention to detail will be visible on every single play. Defenses will have to game plan around him."   A new challenge in Europe   Sullivan himself is eager to take on this new opportunity: "I’m truly blessed, honored, excited, and thankful that God has given me the opportunity to play for the Raiders! It’s been a long journey, and I’m ready to go. This will be my first time leaving the country, and I get to do something I love—it’s truly a blessing! Let’s rock out!"   With his size, strong hands, and ability to make plays downfield, Sullivan is expected to be a key part of the Raiders' offense in the upcoming season. Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

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

The 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 

After securing their new American quarterback Conor Miller last week, the Raiders Tirol have now reinforced their defense with the signing of Aaron Maddox. The former Indianapolis Colts defensive back brings experience and talent to the team and is expected to play a crucial role in the secondary.   Maddox’s impressive college career   Maddox played at Colorado (2018-2019) before transferring to Southern Illinois (2020-2021), where he showcased his skills as a dominant defensive back. During his time with the Colorado Buffaloes, he appeared in 16 games, recording 33 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles. Some of his standout performances included 9 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a forced fumble against Air Force, as well as 8 tackles and a key third-down stop against Nebraska.   At Southern Illinois, he continued to make an impact, grabbing an interception in his first game. Despite missing significant time due to injury, he still managed 20 tackles and two pass breakups in his final season.   In 2021 and 2022, Maddox played for Campbell Fighting Camels, further proving his defensive capabilities. In the 2021 season, he totaled 20 tackles with two pass breakups. Although injuries limited his playing time, he made three starts in six games. He broke up two passes and recorded two tackles against Robert Morris, while also contributing five tackles against Liberty and Kennesaw State. Additionally, he added four tackles each in games against Elon and Monmouth. NFL Experience with the Indianapolis Colts   Following his college career, Maddox joined the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted rookie, gaining valuable experience at the highest level of football. Now, he takes the next step in his career by joining the Raiders Tirol, where he aims to be a difference-maker in the team’s defensive unit.   Excitement for the Future Maddox is eager to get started and expressed his enthusiasm for this new challenge:   “I am thrilled and deeply honored to continue my football journey with the Raiders Tirol in 2025! I’m excited to meet my teammates, coaches, staff, and fans. I can’t wait to give my all on the field and contribute to the team’s future success!”   Raiders GM Ulz Däuber is equally excited about the signing and believes Maddox is the perfect fit for the team’s defensive plans: “Aaron has played at the highest level. He is a dominant and versatile player in the defensive backfield. That combination makes him an outstanding fit for what we are doing defensively.”   A key addition to the Raiders’ defense With Maddox joining the team, the Raiders Tirol continue to strengthen their roster for the 2025 season. Fans can look forward to seeing their new defensive star in action, as the team aims for success in the upcoming season. Get your tickets for the 2025 ELF Championship Game!

During the offseason, the teams of the European League of Football lose no time. This week, they also announced some more roster moves. An overview: Missing piece for the Sea Devils The Hamburg Sea Devils have already presented some good moves this offseason. What was still missing, however, was a quarterback. They have now found one in Micah Leon. US duo for the Centurions The Cologne Centurions presented two US imports this week. Firstly, Jeremy Moussa signed as the new QB1. An important target will be former college wide receiver Austin Osborn, who also signed with the German team. Raiders sign QB1 The Raiders Tirol have found their starting quarterback. Conor Miller returns to the ELF.   Musketeers bring back important piece  The Paris Musketeers have extended Stanley Zeregbe's contract. The Frenchman was an important piece of the Parisians' dominant defense las season. Thunder sign Offensive Rookie of the Year nominee Berlin Thunder has strengthened their running game. For this purpose, the team signed Emil Fuch. The 20-year-old was nominated for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award last season. Nordic Storm sign former ELF starter Nordic Storm has signed another top player from Sweden. Emil Hovde, who shone as a starter for the Berlin Thunder last season, has signed with the young franchise. Rhein Fire bring back US-Import Defensive back Darrius Nash will stay with Rhein Fire for another season. The current ELF Champion have extended the contract of the 25-year-old by one year. Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

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

The European League of Football finished its fourth season. It is now time to figure out what teams will move in the right direction for the fifth season in 2025! Will it be teams with previous losing records emerging as contenders? Will Rhein Fire stay dominant? Who are the best players coming into the season? When are you able to draft your lineups for Fantasy Football? Those are questions that you may ask yourself and we are here to give you the best possible answer! If you have a question and want it to be answered in a future article, please look out on the league’s social channels every Monday. oxforddictionar.i: Where are the players pooled from; Lesser leagues or is it schools? Players in the European League of Football (ELF) come from all over the world and from very different backgrounds. Homegrown players usually stem from national and regional American Football leagues from different countries around Europe. However, some European players in the ELF also played for different college programs in the United States or were under contract in the Canadian Football League and other professional leagues in North America.  The European import players are very similar to the homegrown players. The major difference to them compared to homegrown players is their home country and the teams they sign with in the European League of Football. The American import players usually have a college background. Most of the new American imports signed by teams in the ELF even have NFL experience, just like recently signed Helvetic Mercenaries wide receiver Keelan Cole!  grabxwski: How can we watch the games and what time do they usually play? All games of the European League of Football are accessible through the ELF Game Pass worldwide. Click here for more information and special offers to get your ELF Game Pass now, to be prepared for the upcoming season! Usual kickoff times are on Saturday at 6pm (CEST) and on Sunday from 1pm (CEST) to 4:25pm (CEST). In the upcoming fifth season of the European League of Football, 16 teams will fight for the European League of Football Championship in four different divisions. steve_keef: Which team fits me the most? I’m from Bad Kreuznach, very close to the Rhine! Thank you for your question! Every team in the European League of Football is unique. As a fan, it mostly comes down to what team resonates with you the most. Being from Bad Kreuznach, the Frankfurt Galaxy are the closest team geographically. So, if you want to visit a lot of home games, this might be your team to choose! However, all the other 15 teams in the European League of Football have enticing players, storylines and more! Check out the teams websites and our articles about the teams on our website to lock down your favorite for the upcoming 2025 season! © European League of Football