Rhein Fire

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!

Rhein Fire has made a major move for the 2025 season by signing Ed Warinner as their new offensive coordinator. With over 30 years of coaching experience at the college level, Warinner brings a wealth of knowledge and success to the team. His impressive career includes coaching roles at top programs like Ohio State, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Florida Atlantic, where he consistently developed strong offensive units.   A career filled with success   Warinner began his coaching journey in 1984 at Akron before moving on to Michigan State, where he worked with linebackers and the secondary. He then spent 13 seasons at Army, coaching different positions and eventually becoming the offensive coordinator. His ability to develop talent and build strong offensive systems led to opportunities at Air Force, Illinois, and Kansas, where he played a key role in record-setting offensive performances.   Championship experience at Ohio State   One of Warinner’s most notable achievements came at Ohio State, where he coached from 2012 to 2016. As the offensive line coach and later the offensive coordinator, he helped the Buckeyes win the 2014 National Championship. His offensive lines were among the best in the nation, sending multiple players to the NFL and setting school records in rushing yards, passing yards, and touchdowns.   Building elite offensive lines   After his time at Ohio State, Warinner continued his success at Minnesota, Michigan, and Florida Atlantic. At Michigan, he developed one of the strongest offensive lines in the Big Ten, with all five starters earning All-Conference recognition. His ability to improve offensive line performance was evident at Florida Atlantic as well, where his unit was ranked among the top in the nation for fewest sacks allowed.   A huge addition for Rhein Fire   With Warinner joining Rhein Fire, the team gains a highly experienced coach known for developing powerful offenses and disciplined offensive lines. His leadership will be crucial as the team prepares for the 2025 season, aiming to build a dominant attack. Rhein Fire fans can look forward to an exciting and well-structured offense under his guidance. Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

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

Rhein Fire are continuing to work on their squad for the upcoming season in the European League of Football. The current champions are now focusing on their secondary.  As a result, two young and talented defensive backs have signed in Düsseldorf. A city that Elias Jassey and Dereck Ejike Onyia have already had a connection in the past. After all, both became German Football League Youth Champions 2022 with the Düsseldorf Panthers.  Different ways - reunion in the ELF After the glorious victory, the Homegrowns parted ways. Onyia, who is also part of the German national team, transferred to the Langenfeld Longhorns. Last season, he moved to the Nuremberg Rams. The 21-year-old proved his ability in the GFL 2 and became a cornerstone of the team. Jassey, on the other hand, went to the Krefeld Ravens in 2022, where he quickly became one of the absolute top performers. Jassey impressed so much that he was invited to a college camp in the US in the summer of 2023. He was supposed to audition for seven Division 1 colleges. Unfortunately, he was injured during preparations.  Now a new chapter in the European League of Football. Here, the young defender not only meets experienced champions, but also his old teammate Dereck Ejike Onyia. Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

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 Rhein Fire have added more size and experience to their offensive line signing young talent Lukas Jakobi. Jakobi brings excellent size at 191 and 135 kg to the back-to-back ELF champions. The former youth national team player was recently in the US hoping to get recruited for college football. Now he finds himself playing for the ELF’s top team. Before coming to the ELF Jakobi played for the Düsseldorf Panther where he helped them win the national youth championship.    Jakobi is part of several new player that will make up the 2025 Rhein Fire squad. On offense some new faces will include veteran quarterback Chad Jeffries, offensive lineman Eboh-Austin Igbah-Ujene, and receiver Jordan Bouah.  Get Your Tickets 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 

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

Last year's ELF champion, Rhein Fire, has signed defensive back Darrius Nash again. Nash, who is from Los Angeles, started his college career at Dixie State before transferring to Utah Tech, where he played for four years. In 47 games, he made 13.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, four interceptions, four forced fumbles, and 130 solo tackles.   A strong defensive duo  In 2023, Nash was drafted by the Las Vegas Vipers in the XFL but did not play. Last year, he was already part of Rhein Fire but got injured early in the season. Now, he is fully recovered, and Fire is excited to see what the American defensive back duo, Omari Williams and Darrius Nash, can do on the field. Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game!

The new ELF season is just around the corner. Accordingly, the teams are working flat out on their rosters. There were also some big deals this week! Musketeers blockbuster deal The Paris Musketeers have signed a superstar quarterback in Jaylon Henderson. The US-American scored 91 touchdowns last season. Will it make the team from Paris a contender? New QB1 for the Enthroners The Fehérvár Enthroners have presented their new starting quarterback. US-American Brock Domann will take over the most important position in the offense next season.  Former player becomes new OC Quinten Pounds returns to the Cologne Centurions. He once played WR for the team, now he becomes the new offensive coordinator.  Former coach returns to Vienna Max Kössler is back in Vienna! The former offensive coordinator of the Paris Musketeers signs a new contract as Wide Receiver coach for the Vienna Vikings. Nordic Storm sign Star WR Nordic Storm has strengthened their squad with wide receiver Theodor Landström. The Swede has already put in a good performance for the Barcelona Dragons. Left as back-up - return as starter Luis Fiedler left as a back-up. After a great year with the Cologne Centurioins, he returns to Rhein Fire as a proven starter. One of the Czech Republic's greatest talents The Prague Lions have extended their contract with Matyáš Bílý. However, the quarterback, who is considered highly talented, will play a different position next season. 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.  

Rhein Fire and Luis Fiedler are reunited. The linebacker signs a new contract with the current ELF Champions. The 22-year-old already played for Rhein Fire in 2022 and 2023. Out of 15 ELF games, he only started one. He made a total of 20 tackles, including 1.5 for loss and a sack.  Not enough for the ambitious Homegrown. In 2024, he joined the Cologne Centurions. Here, Fiedler immediately took on a starter role. In eleven games for the German team, he made 99 tackles, including six for loss and three sacks. He also had two pass deflections and one recovered fumble.  Fiedler made his breakthrough. Performances that he would like to build on back at Rhein Fire. The goal: his second ELF Championship after 2023. Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!  

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 

Rhein Fire has extended the contract of Sebastian van Santen. The 28-year-old is therefore facing his third season in the European League of Football. Last season, the kicker converted eight of his ten field goal attempts. He also converted 53 points after touchdowns.  Furthermore, the homegrown gained 913 yards on 26 punts. This means that van Santen gains an average of 35 yards per attempt.  Performances that earned him a spot on the ELF All-Star team. He originally started out as a wide receiver. Due to his strong soccer background and his resulting kicking power, van Santen switched to the position of kicker and punter. Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!  

Rhein Fire is coming off two phenominal seasons. Last November, the German team became the first back-to-back champions of the European League of Football. The next success is set to follow next season.  To do so, Fire is investing in their offensive line by signing Eboh-Austin Igbah-Ujene. The 23-year-old Nigerian can play both guard and tackle. He was already part of the Fehérvár Enthroners' starting O-line in his ELF debut season in 2023.  He took on the same role last season with the Hamburg Sea Devils. The young O-liner can therefore already look back on 21 ELF games. More will follow with the current ELF champion. Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

As we move deeper into the off-season it means we are even closer to kicking off the 2025 season. The next season will be the European League of Football’s fifth season as it looks to keep growing year after year.  Recently there have been a flurry of player and coach signings, as well as major media announcements, including the ELF’s new deal with DAZN. Let’s chat about it all below! DAZN questions: Many fans have asked about the logistics of the new 8-year deal that the ELF signed with DAZN. There will be more details to come which will explain how the ELF Game Pass will be integrated with DAZN’s platform both from a pricing and content side of things. In short, stay tuned for more DAZN and ELF details to come.  Babayaga707M: Is there a ELF Combine? Or do you recruit players? Great question here from an even better username. Many teams will run their own combine’s in order to see not only homegrown players from the area, but also players from different European countries and even those that have flown thousands of miles for a shot in the ELF. Team’s will continue hosting their own tryouts and combine’s throughout the off-season as they hope to fill up their roster prior to training camp.  Rampagequomony5: What country will the ELF expand to next? Fans have been wondering about this one for a while! This year many fans were surprised as the Nordic Storm joined the league as an expansion franchise. Many have speculated that major European cities such as London, Dublin, Amsterdam, and others would be good fits due to their massive populations. The league will likely look to continue to grow in 2026, however this year’s teams are set.  Jules_bnf: When can I buy a match ticket? This was certainly my favorite question of the bunch. The full ELF schedule is available to block out your calendar’s. Some teams have begun selling tickets on their website’s while others will follow soon.  Most importantly, the biggest game of the ELF season, the 2025 Championship in Stuttgart does have tickets available and has already sold more than 10K tickets.  Get your ELF CG 25 Tickets here

Rhein Fire has signed wide receiver Jordan Bouah. The Italian wide receiver will be on touchdown hunt for the reigning ELF champions next season. Interesting fact: Bouah was facing Rhein Fire in the 2024 Championship Game at the end of September. At the time, he was still wearing the Vienna Vikings jersey, for whom Bouah played from 2022 to 2024. The former All-Star and ELF Champion 2022 has already played 26 ELF games, in which he caught 105 passes for 1671 and 17 touchdowns.  While he was a starter in his first two seasons, he hardly got a chance to play last season, partly due to injuries. Bouah only played four games and also missed the final against his new team. Now the new start at Rhein Fire.  Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!  

The European League of Football (ELF) has made significant strides in elevating the sport’s profile across the continent, attracting seasoned professionals with extensive NFL experience. A testament to this trend is the recent appointment of Jack Del Rio as the head coach of the Paris Musketeers. Del Rio joins Jim Tomsula of Rhein Fire as one of the two former NFL head coaches currently leading ELF teams, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to European football. Jack Del Rio’s appointment to the Paris Musketeers On January 17, 2025, the Paris Musketeers announced the hiring of Jack Del Rio as their new head coach. Del Rio’s coaching career spans over three decades in the NFL, including head coaching stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Oakland Raiders. During his time with the Jaguars from 2003 to 2011, he led the team to two playoff appearances, achieving a playoff victory in 2007. His time with the Raiders from 2015 to 2017 was highlighted by a 12-4 record in 2016, securing a playoff berth. Overall, Del Rio has amassed 93 career wins as an NFL head coach. Del Rio expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, stating, “I’m looking forward to working with this group of men. We will teach, develop, and compete.” Paris Musketeers CEO John McKeon echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Del Rio’s commitment to excellence and passion for teaching the game. McKeon added, “His commitment to excellence and his passion for teaching the game will build upon the tone and culture that was set by our first coach, Marc Mattioli.” Jim Tomsula’s impact on Rhein Fire Jim Tomsula, another former NFL head coach, has been at the helm of Rhein Fire since their reestablishment in the ELF. Tomsula’s coaching résumé includes serving as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in 2015 and various coaching roles in the NFL Europe, including a previous stint with Rhein Fire in 2006. Under his leadership, Rhein Fire has experienced remarkable success, culminating in back-to-back ELF championships. In the 2024 season, Tomsula led the team to a dominant 51-20 victory over the Vienna Vikings in the championship game, making Rhein Fire the first team in ELF history to secure consecutive titles. Tomsula’s coaching philosophy emphasizes adaptability and resilience. He has been praised for always having a response to opponents’ game plans. His ability to foster a winning culture has been instrumental in Rhein Fire’s recent achievements and will be when looking towards the 2025 season.  2025 - The Season of NFL Coaches in the ELF? The 2025 ELF season is poised to be highly competitive, with both the Paris Musketeers and Rhein Fire making significant moves to strengthen their rosters and coaching staff. The Musketeers, under Del Rio’s leadership, aim to build upon their successful 2024 campaign, where they achieved a 10-2 regular-season record and reached the semifinals. The addition of Del Rio is expected to enhance the team’s strategic approach and player development, positioning them as strong contenders for the upcoming season. Rhein Fire, led by Tomsula, will be striving for an unprecedented third consecutive ELF championship. The team’s consistent performance and championship pedigree make them the team to beat. Tomsula’s experience and proven track record suggest that Rhein Fire will continue to be a formidable force in the league. 2025 Season Opener - Clash of Titans The season opener on May 17, 2025, will feature a marquee matchup between the Paris Musketeers and the defending champions, Rhein Fire. This game will not only showcase the strategic prowess of two former NFL head coaches but also set the tone for the rest of the season. Fans can anticipate a high level of competition and a display of tactical football as both teams vie for early supremacy in the league. The appointments of Jack Del Rio and Jim Tomsula as head coaches in the ELF signify a growing trend of experienced NFL professionals contributing to the development of American football in Europe. Their leadership is expected to elevate the level of play and competitiveness within the league, providing fans with an exciting and high-quality football experience in the 2025 season and beyond.

The European League of Football has set a milestone on the way to the biggest game in the history of European football: four months before the kick-off of the 2025 season, advance sales for the Championship Game on September 7th in the MHP Arena of German soccer runners-up VfB Stuttgart have already broken the 10,000 ticket mark. The ELF is on the hunt for records. “We are delighted that the European League of Football is generating this enthusiasm and are grateful for the support of the football family. We have succeeded in bringing this great sport to the big stadiums. With the Championship Game in the MHP Arena andthe strong support of VfB Stuttgart, we have set ourselves the goal of staging the best-attended game in the history of European football. We are on the right track,” says Zeljko Karajica, Managing Director of the continental league. "No fan should miss the Championship Game" To break the previous record, more than 48,125 spectators would have to be present in the “living room” of the traditional soccer club on September 7. That was the number of fans at the 2007 NFL Europe final between hosts Frankfurt Galaxy and the Hamburg Sea Devils. The previous record in the European League of Football was set at the recent championship game between Rhein Fire and the Vienna Vikings in Gelsenkirchen, with 41,364 fans watching the clash in the FC Schalke 04 arena. "I still get excited when I think about the atmosphere surrounding the final in Gelsenkirchen. That was a day of celebration for football in Europe, with outstanding sport on the pitch and a really great atmosphere in the stands. We are motivated and firmly believe that, together with the football community, we can top that once again this year in Stuttgart. No fan of the best sport in the world should miss the Championship Game in the MHP Arena,” says ELF commissioner Patrick Esume. 16 franchises from nine nations It remains to be seen which teams will be victorious in the regular season and the playoffs. The only thing that is clear is that Commissioner Esume will once again present the trophy to the winner after the final. Who will join Frankfurt Galaxy (2021 in Düsseldorf), the Vienna Vikings (2022 in Klagenfurt) and back-to-back champions Rhein Fire (2023 in Duisburg and 2024 in Gelsenkirchen) on this prestigious list? 16 franchises from nine nations will compete: Rhein Fire, Berlin Thunder, Hamburg Sea Devils, Munich Ravens, Stuttgart Surge, Frankfurt Galaxy, Cologne Centurios (all Germany), Vienna Vikings, Raiders Tirol (both Austria), Fehérvár Enthroners (Hungary), Panthers Wroclaw (Poland), Prague Lions (Czech Republic), Helvetic Mercenaries (Switzerland), Madrid Bravos (Spain), Paris Musketeers (France) and newcomer Nordic Storm (Denmark). Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game now!   

Rhein Fire fans can look forward to watch Flamur Simon in action next season. The linebacker has signed a new contract with the current ELF champions. Simon therefore is facing his fourth season in the league. The 25-years-old homegrown spend his first year with the Cologne Centurions, followed by two successful years with Rhein Fire. As a starter Simon had major impact on Fires Game, earning them two Championship titles in a row. Simon overall played 32 ELF Games, recording 218 tackles, including 29 for loss and nine sacks. He also recovered two fumbles and recorded eight pass deflections and four interceptions. Fire is therefore able to keep a key part of their defense. Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

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. whoismarkoka: Can you tell some things about the ELF’s history and its establishment? The European League of Football (ELF) was officially launched back in 2021 as an initiative to bring professional American football back to Europe on a large scale. The league is spearheaded by Patrick Esume, a former player and highly respected coach, who took on the role of Commissioner.  The inaugural season featured eight teams from Germany, Spain, and Poland, kicking off what has since become an annual tradition of thrilling competition. With a mix of domestic and international players, the ELF quickly established itself as a bridge between European talent and global opportunities.  Now entering its fifth season in 2025, the ELF has expanded significantly, boasting teams from various countries, including Austria, France, Denmark, and Sweden, with growing fan-bases and increased media coverage.  htjones: Where can US viewers watch the games? 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! 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  thefieldgeneral_7: Are there any teams still looking for American import players? So far, a lot of the 16 teams in the European League of Football are right in the midst of filling up their roster spots, including the American import spots. However, there are still a few American import spots left on some teams.  If you are looking to join a roster of the European League of Football as an American import player, a European import player, or as a homegrown player, please visit the team’s website for information on point of contacts and potential combines conducted by single franchises!  © European League of Football