Vienna Vikings

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!

The Vienna Vikings have strengthened their coaching staff with a legend of US college football. Norm Chow will be the offensive analyst for last season's Championship Game participant next season. The Chinese-American, who was born in Hawaii, can look back on a long and impressive career as an American football coach. As an offensive coordinator, Chow coached prestigious US colleges such as BYU, NC State, USC, UCLA and Utah. He later became head coach at the University of Hawaii and worked as offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans in the NFL. New Vikings coach worked with NFL legends In addition to play calling, Chow's qualities include amazing quarterback development. He has coached QBs such as Jim McMahon, NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young and Philip Rivers, as well as Heisman Trophy winners such as Ty Detmer, Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart.  Chow himself has also received several awards. For example, he received the Broyles Award for best assistant coach in college football and was named NCAA Division I-A Offensive Coordinator of the Year in 2002. Former ELF head coach After his time at US colleges and in the NFL, Chow coached the Los Angeles Wildcats in the XFL in 2022. He then made his debut in the European League of Football. In 2023, he became the first head coach in the history of the Helvetic Guards in Switzerland. Vikings Head Coach Chris Calaycay in particular convinced him to move to Vienna. Both coaches have known each other for over 20 years. Calaycay was desperate to welcome Chow to his coaching staff. This has now been achieved.  Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

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

The Vienna Vikings have made a strong addition to their coaching staff ahead of the 2025 season. Former NFL kicker Giorgio Tavecchio has joined the team as their new kicking coach. Tavecchio played college football at the University of California, Berkeley, and later signed with several NFL teams, including the Oakland Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, and Tennessee Titans. In his NFL debut for the Raiders in 2017, he impressed by hitting all four field goals and two extra points, earning the NFL Special Teams Player of the Week award. He won that honor a second time while playing for the Falcons. In recent years, he played in the European League of Football with the Barcelona Dragons and Milano Seamen. Now, he brings his experience to Vienna in a new role. Tavecchio to lead kicking Game in 2025 "I'm tremendously grateful for the opportunity to join the Vienna Vikings staff!" said Tavecchio. "I'm looking forward to contributing to the team's success and to growing the sport of American Football in Europe." Vikings Head Coach Chris Calaycay is excited about the move: "Giorgio adds a wealth of experience, from college football, from the NFL, and most importantly to me from Europe. He is a natural fit to the culture that we have here with the Vikings and to add him to our staff this late in the process is a blessing." Tavecchio has already started working with Vienna’s kickers, Dennis Tasic and Oskar Herz, and will also support the punters. With him on board, the Vikings are looking to raise their special teams to a whole new level. Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game!

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 - Nos. 100-91

As April begins, the ELF’s season five kickoff is getting closer and closer. Imports will arrive soon, and before we know it teams will be in the full swing of pre-season training camps. Teams are just making their finishing touches to their rosters and coaching staff preparing for the May 17th kickoff. Rhein Fire get NFL OL coach & A import The Rhein Fire have added Paul Dunn as their OL coach. He has coached at several top college programs, including Penn State, Rutgers, Cincinnati, Kansas State, and Kentucky. Dunn also has experience in the NFL, where he worked with the Atlanta Falcons from 2008 to 2013. On the field, the Rhein Fire have added University of Pennsylvania receiver Rory Starkey jr. At 189 cm the former IVY league standout is a physical pass catcher who hopes to become a go to guy for Chad Jeffries in a WR room that features, Harlan Kwofie and Jordan Buoah.  Madrid Bravos sign DROY Pierre-Yves Majo The Madrid Bravos have signed swiss talent Pierre-Yves Majo. Majo played 12 games for the Helvetic Mercenaries last season, recording 39 tackles, 7 sacks, and 16 tackles for loss. His outstanding performance earned him the title of Defensive Rookie of the Year.   Vienna Vikings add their final import The Vienna Vikings have added former CFL and USFL veteran Amani Dennis. Dennis was a key defender on current Frankfurt Galaxy head coach Bart Andrus’s USFL team the Philadelphia Stars.  Dennis looks to pair well with Divine Buckram and Benjamin Straight in the Vienna secondary     RB Chris Voumbo stay home  The Paris Musketeers have officially extended the contract of running back Chris Voumbo. Voumbo played very well down the stretch last season finishing the year with  85 carries for 497 yards and 4 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 5.85 yards per carry.   Munich Ravens sign two vital imports The Munich Ravens have signed Dexter Fitzpatrick as their second American import and first on defense. Fitzpacktrick was a 4X all conference player at Mars Hill. We’ll have to wait to see who else joins him in Munich, as the Ravens have yet to announce their other 2 American imports.  The Ravens also bulk up their offensive line by signing Chinazo "CK" Obobi from the UK. Obobi played college football at D1 Marshall University as well as Austin Peay recently.    Get Your Tickets to the 2025 ELF Championship!

The 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!

Vienna Vikings quarterback Ben Holmes recently joined the "ELF Live Show" with host Nick Alfieri and ELF expert Matt Bressington to reflect on his journey to Europe and how he found his place with the Vikings.   A fresh start at the right time   The quarterback position is often considered the most important in football, and every ELF franchise has chosen an American signal-caller to lead their team in the 2025 season. However, for quarterbacks playing in Europe for the first time, adapting to a new league and environment can be challenging. Holmes, however, proved last season that he could thrive in the ELF. Not only did he lead the Vienna Vikings to the Championship Game against Rhein Fire, but he was also named a 1st Team All-Star.   For Holmes, the opportunity to join the Vikings came at exactly the right moment. Reflecting on his career before coming to Vienna, he shared: "I needed a fresh start. I was in a rat race as a journeyman quarterback, going from the USFL to the Arena League, then to other lower-tier leagues, and then finally to the CFL. I was just trying to stay above water, moving from being a starter to second string, third string, practice squad, and back again. At some point, I just wanted to be ‘the guy’ again."   The Vikings gave Holmes a new opportunity   That’s when Vienna Vikings head coach Chris Calaycay reached out. For Holmes, it was a turning point: "Coach Calaycay reached out at probably the most perfect time anybody could have reached out.” The move to Europe gave Holmes a chance to establish himself as a leader once again, and he made the most of it. With the Vikings, he found a team that trusted him, and he delivered, leading them to the ELF Championship Game.   Tune in to ELF Live   Every Friday at 12 PM CET, host Nick Alfieri and ELF expert Matt Bressington go live to discuss everything ELF-related. Join the conversation on YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook and interact with the hosts in real time!

The Vienna Vikings have signed their final American import in defensive back Amani Dennis. Dennis comes to the ELF and Europe for the first time in his football career after several seasons playing professionally in the US and Canada. Dennis, 27, most recently played last year for the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League notching 7 tackles in three games. Prior to heading to Canada, the 180cm safety played two seasons in the USFL for the Philadelphia Stars under current Frankfurt Galaxy head coach Bart Andrus. Over the course of those two seasons Dennis had 5 interceptions, 72 tackles and one touchdown playing a key role on the Stars defense. He also played for the Generals in the Spring League in 2020 and spent a rookie minicamp with the NFL's Cleveland Browns. "Amani is the lockdown corner we were looking for. We are really excited about him joining us, Amani is exactly the type of player and person we were looking for as our 2nd A-import DB. Athletic, experienced, smart and versatile. He has played on all levels in North America and we expect him to adjust well to the European style of football and life. His speed jumps off the tape and will give him the ability to run with any receiver in the ELF." - Vikings head coach Chris Calaycay The Wheeling, Illinois native spent his college career at Carthage University (D3) where he was a two-time all conference player at free safety. Dennis made 11 interceptions and had 100 tackles in his college career.  The CFL and USFL veteran now joins a Vikings defense with fellow veteran import Divine Buckram in the secondary. Dennis, Buckram and a strong core of European and homegrown talent hope to take this Vikings defense to the next level in 2025.  Get Your Tickets to the ELF Championship  

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

The Vienna Vikings have made a massive signing by agreeing to terms with Swedish offensive lineman Victor Stoffel. The former D1 lineman brings experience from the NCAA’s highest level and unmatched size to the Vikings experienced offensive line.  Stoffel, stands at 200 cm and 135 kg. This will be his first season back in Europe since his youth days playing in Sweden. Since 2018 Stoffel has been a key offensive lineman in the United States playing for Temple University and the University of California.  College career At Temple University, Stoffel started his last 20 games at right tackle and was named game captain five times in his career for the Owls. In 2023, he was named All-American honorable mention by College Football Network, and honorable mention all-conference.  Vikings head coach Chris Calaycay on signing Victor: "Victor is one of those European talents and stories that make the European League of Football so great. To have him join the Vikings this season was a combination of incredible timing and chemistry. His number of starts, size and skill, and level of play make him one of the most exciting newcomers to watch in the entire league. We can’t wait to have him finally with us in Vienna." In 2024 as a graduate transfer, Stoffel headed to the west coast playing for the University of California Bears. There he played in all 13 games this past season competing in the ACC amongst some of the nation's best teams.  Why Vienna? The Stockholm, Sweden native is thrilled to be back in Europe playing in Austria for the first time. The former all-conference lineman commented on why he chose Vienna:“The city and the successful team. I love to travel, and Vienna was somewhere I’ve never been before. It is a beautiful city, and it has a great football team that has done really well in the European League of Football." "My goals are to have fun and to dominate while doing so. The goal is always to win the next game and stack them to get to and win the championship." Stoffel joins a stacked offensive line in Vienna that features Lukas Holub and Tony Koskinen. The Vikings unit hopes to protect returning quarterback Ben Holmes well as the Vikings look to make another run at the title game this September.  Get Your Tickets to the 2025 ELF Championship Game!

With a new article series on our website, we want to introduce all of the sixteen European League of Football franchises for the 2025 season and what they are made of. As the 2025 season of the European League of Football approaches, the Vienna Vikings are gearing up to defend their legacy as one of Europe's premier American football teams. Building on their impressive performances in previous seasons, the Vikings have strategically bolstered their roster and coaching staff, aiming to reclaim the championship title after their loss against Rhein Fire last season. Homegrown talent - Newcomers like DL Max Grünsteidl and Manuel Radfux The Vienna Vikings continue to emphasize the development of local talent, reinforcing their roster with standout Austrian players. Among the promising rookies is quarterback Nico Hrouda, who led the Austrian Football League (AFL) in 2024 with 2,405 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, earning him the League MVP title and guiding the Vikings to the championship game. Joining him is wide receiver Nils Keimel, defensive back Elias Allmer, defensive lineman Max Grünsteidl, and Manuel Radfux, all set to make their ELF debuts this season. Head Coach Chris Calaycay expressed confidence in these additions, stating, "We are always on the lookout for the next great homegrown Austrian to represent the Vikings at the highest level in Europe." Former NFL player Thomas Schaffer extends with Vikings The Vikings have ensured the return of key defensive players to maintain their formidable defense. Defensive lineman Thomas Schaffer, with experience in the NFL and CFL, contributed 22 tackles and 1.5 sacks last season. Alongside him, defensive linemen Marvin Wappl and Florian Sudi have been re-signed. Wappl recorded 5.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss last season, while Sudi added 2.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. Linebacker Moriz Elmauthaler, returning from a knee injury, brings 46 career tackles and is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming season. American Imports - Quarterback Ben Holmes returns for 2025 The Vienna Vikings have strategically bolstered their roster with key American imports for the 2025 season. Quarterback Ben Holmes returns after leading the Vikings to an impressive 13-1 record last season, narrowly missing the championship title. Holmes' leadership and efficient playing style make him one of the most dependable quarterbacks in the league, and he is determined to guide Vienna to the championship in 2025. Joining him is wide receiver Reece Horn, re-signed after a stellar performance where he ranked third in the league with 1,165 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns. To strengthen their defense, the Vikings have acquired former Frankfurt Galaxy and Raiders Tirol defensive back Divine Buckrham, an ELF veteran who recorded 60 tackles and 13 pass break-ups last season.  Coaching - Consistency = key? Under the leadership of Head Coach Chris Calaycay, the Vikings have consistently been a dominant force in the ELF over the past three years. Calaycay's commitment to integrating homegrown talent with experienced veterans has been instrumental in the team's success. His strategic vision and ability to adapt have kept the Vikings competitive at the highest levels of European American football. Will he be able to continue this trend in Vienna for his Vikings on the best level of American football in Europe? Are the Vikings ready for another Championship run? With a blend of emerging talents and seasoned professionals, the Vienna Vikings are setting their sights on reclaiming the ELF Championship in 2025. The team's strategic roster enhancements and unwavering commitment to excellence position them as strong contenders for the title. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Vienna to see if the Vikings can once again rise to championship glory. © European League of Football 

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

The Vienna Vikings have extended their contract with their next defensive player. Linebacker Jan-Phillip Bombek will stay in Austria's capital for another year.  Bombek is mainly used as an edge rusher and impresses the fans and Vikings Head Coach Chris Calaycay in particular: "Jan is just a monster on the edge of our defense." Defensive coordinator Daniel Auböck is also enthusiastic about his player: "JP is a player offensive coordinators refer to as ‘a problem’. He is one of the premiere passrushers in Europe. Offenses need to account for him at all times, as he has the ability to beat any OT on any given play. We trust JP to get to the QB with the game on the line." The 28-year-old is already facing his fifth season in the European League of Football. He made his debut for the Hamburg Sea Devils in 2021. Later, Bombek played for the Leipzig Kings. Since 2024, he has been part of the Vienna Vikings.  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. In addition, he had three pass deflections, four forced fumbles and two recovered fumbles. In 2022 Bombek was selected to the ELF second All-Star team. Bombek joins numerous defensive signings in Vienna. Previously, the Viennese have already announced Leo Misangumukini, Marvin Wappl, Thomas Schaffer, Oskar Kranich, Manuel Radfux, Fabian Schmid, Florian Sudi as well as Florian and Max Grünsteidl. While he narrowly missed out on the championship in the final with the Vikings in 2024, the team wants to attack hard in the upcoming season. Jan-Phillip Bombek can also continue to contribute to this.                                          Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

Assistant coach of the year candidate returns Daniel Auböck was nominated as an assistant coach of the year leading the Vikings defense that finished second in the ELF in yards and points given up. Auböck has been leading the Vikings defense since they joined the ELF helping them achieve an impressive 36-4 record since 2022.  "I am beyond excited to be back with the Vikings for another season and continue to build on what we started 4 years ago. Continuity will always be our main priority and biggest strength. We believe in us and our guys, nothing will ever change that!: :We as Vikings have plenty of unfinished business going into 2025 and as always, a huge chip on our shoulder. Our schedule is filled with the best that Europe has to offer. This is why we are here: to prove our worth every given week. As an entire organization we are looking forward to renewing decade old rivalries and to take the next steps in establishing new ones. Great battles await. With the support of our loved ones and our fans this team won ́t be denied." Proven track record Last season Auböck's defense led the ELF with 43 sacks, while also finishing second in yards allowed per game, giving up only 270 yards a game. The Vikings finished 6th in turnover differencial in the ELF causing 18 total turnovers with 11 interceptions and 7 fumble recoveries.  Head coach Chris Calaycay is thrilled to have Auböck back: "Our defense has been headed by Daniel Auböck for the past three seasons in the European League of Football and always finished within the top three in the league. This consistency continues with his extension, and we look forward to another strong year of Viking defense under his leadership.” Auböck will have some new players to help him out this season as the Vikings have signed defensive back Divine Buckrham, and still have one more American import spot and several European import spots left to use.  Get Your Tickets to the 2025 ELF Championship!  

The Vienna Vikings have re-signed Marianne Pahkala to be their special teams coordinator and running backs coach. Pahkala also serves as the teams strength and conditioning coach working with the Vikings players to improve thier on field performance.  The young Finnish coach has experience coaching for the University of Nebraska, Rice University, and the University of Georgia. Pahkala also has experiences in the NFL as she worked in the youth football departments of the Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, and Kansas City Chiefs over the past years. "I would like to thank the Vienna Vikings for their continuous support in my development as a coach and for the roles and responsibilities given to me again in 2025. I really can’t wait to compete with this team in the upcoming season." She also has experience coaching in The Spring League a professional league in the United States, as well as serving as the strength and conditioning coach for the Finnish national team in 2023.  “Consistency and Culture has been one of the biggest strengths of our franchise. Coach P has been an integral part our staff and has expanded her role in her third season with us as our Special Team Coordinator and our Strength Coach. Coach Pahkala and I are confident, and we have made the efforts to be in better, stronger, faster in 2025.” - Vikings head coach Chris Calaycay. Pahkala first joined the Vikings in 2023 becoming the first female coordinator in franchise and league history. She is now going into her third season in the Austrian capital. Her work as running back coach has been evident as fellow Finn and star running back Karri Pajarinen had his best season in 2023 rushing for a career best 1,123 yards and 13 touchdowns. The 30-year old coach remains the league first and only female coordinator, as she looks to continue to grow her role in the Vikings organisation. Get Your ELF Gamepass!

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 Vienna Vikings bring another promising newcomer to the ELF. Wide receiver Daniel-Elias Schwam signs a contract with last year's finalist.  For the Homegrown, it is a return. The 23-year-old went through the Vikings' youth divisions from 2013 to 2022. He then transferred to Pasadena City College in the USA. In two years in the South Coast Conference, Schwam played 18 games in which he caught 23 passes for 389 yards and four touchdowns.  Schwam: “I want to keep growing with the franchise” Now the return home. Schwam reveals that he didn't have to think for long about the Vikings' offer: “After coming back home to Vienna, I just knew I wanted to play for my home team. I grew up with the Vikings and after growing my knowledge and skills in the States, I want to keep growing with the franchise here in Vienna. After closely watching how the ELF has developed, I am excited to now be a part of it.” The young player has a clear goal for the upcoming season: “To keep growing. Learn new things, develop my skills, and become the best player and teammate I can be! And of course get back to the championship game.” Vikings Head Coach Chris Calaycay is delighted about the signing: "Daniel has all the tools to be the next great Homegrown Wide Receiver for the Vikings. When we entered the European League of Football in 2022, he took his talents to the US, where he spent two seasons studying and developing at one of the top Junior College programs in California. We are excited to have him back here in Vienna with us. “ For the Vienna Vikings, the wideout compliments a talented group of receivers centered around All-Stars Reece Horn and Noah Touré. 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. 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!

Big homecoming in Vienna! Max Kössler has been part of the Vikings for nearly 20 seasons, holding several positions during his time in Vienna. Now the homegrown coach returns to the Austrian capital after two seasons abroad. In the upcoming season, Kössler will be in charge of the wide receivers. "I am excited to be back where my coaching journey began 17 years ago", Kössler says. He adds: "This place holds many great memories, and I look forward to creating even more as we embark on another championship run. It’s an honor to return and continue the journey here, where it all started." After joining the Vikings organization as a player back in 2007, Kössler worked his way up to become one of the best wide receiver coaches in Europe. Since 2019, the Austrian coach is orchestrating the Vikings offense and now gets the opportunity to be part of the coaching staff in their inaugural season in the European League of Football. HC Calaycay: "Max is the premiere WR coach on the continent" Kössler, however, spent the past two seasons as the offensive coordinator of the Paris Musketeers, helping them make the semifinals against his former team last season. Kössler led an exciting offense featuring MVP candidate Zachary Edwards and All-Star WR Austin Mitchell. Overall, the Musketeers finished third in total yards and 6th in scoring in the ELF, all while playing in a tough western conference.  Vikings Head coach Chirs Calaycay is also very excited about the reunion: "Building a staff is the first step to our season, and adding Coach Kössler is such a huge signing. Max is the premiere WR coach on the continent. Being able to have him, his knowledge and experience back on our staff is a blessing. Having talent is one thing, but to get this 2025  Receiving Corps to perform to their potential is entrusted to one of the best coaches out there.“ Get Your Tickets to the 2025 ELF Championship Game!    

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 

The announcement of the Vienna Vikings' 2025 home venues was eagerly awaited. Now the team's fans can look forward to the announcement of the stadiums for the first three home games of the 2025 season. It all starts with the home opener on May 24, 2025, at the stadium Hohe Warte. The Vienna franchise will welcome the Fehervar Enthrtoners, a direct East Division opponent, to the historic Naturarena in Vienna's Döbling district. The Vienna Vikings will play their next two home games - undoubtedly top European matchups against the Raiders Tirol and Rhein Fire - at the Generali Arena. At the State-of-The-Art Stadium in Vienna, the Vikings will welcome their Austrian rivals from Innsbruck on June 7th. Two weeks later, on June 21, there will be a re-match of the 2024 ELF final against the reigning champions from Düsseldorf.  Vienna Vikings season ticket holders currently have the opportunity to choose their preferred seats on the Hohe Warte and in the Generali Arena. One-way tickets for the first three home games in 2025 will go on sale exclusively via Ticketmaster Austria from 9 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18. GM Leitner: “We want to create new memories” Vienna Vikings General Manager Lukas Leitner is eagerly awaiting these three matches together with his game day crews: “We can hardly wait to welcome our fans back to our home stadiums in the 2025 season! The first home game in the Naturarena Hohe Warte is a very special event for us - a place that is deeply rooted in the tradition of the Vienna Vikings.  We are equally proud to be able to offer a great stage in the Generali Arena for the top games against the Raiders Tirol and Rhein Fire. Both stadiums represent special moments in our past, and we can't wait to create new memories together with our incredible fan base!” Sensational home record after three ELF years From a sporting perspective, both stadiums are linked to the impressive success of the Viennese franchise. Four basic round games were played in the Hohe Warte Naturarena in 2023: they beat Breslau, Berlin, Leipzig and Innsbruck. Many still remember the end of the extremely exciting Austrian derby against the Raiders Tirol. After a deflected ball by Leon Balogh, Elmeri Laalo scored a celebrated interception, which turned out to be the decisive victory for Vienna. The franchise has played eleven home games in the Generali Arena since it was founded, winning ten of them. Only the defeat against Stuttgart Surge in the 2023 semifinals tarnishes the Vikings' otherwise spotless home win record. HC Chris Calaycay: "We can’t wait to play in front of our fans again" Vienna Vikings Head Coach Chris Calaycay wants to continue the dominance on home grounds with his team in 2025. “We will do everything in our power to put on a show for the fans and get that fifth franchise win at the Hohe Warte on May 24th. That stadium holds a special and nostalgic place in my heart, always makes me remember those great wins over the years.”  A very special win in the Generali Arena is also still particularly fresh in Coach Calaycay's memory. “It was an unbelievable feeling to play AND win in front of more than 11,000 fans in the stands last September. Everyone on the sideline could tell that there was a franchise record-breaking crowd in the stadium when we beat Paris in the playoffs. Loud, passionate, energetic. We can't wait to experience an even bigger record setting crowd when we face the Raiders and Rhein Fire at the Generali Arena this year.” Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!      

There is still a lot of echoes for a very unique NFL Super Bowl, seeing a clear defeat of the Kansas City Chiefs. Vienna Vikings Quarterback Ben Holmes called it nothing short of a masterclass, praising both Philadelphia Eagles' offensive coordinators for dissecting an elite Kansas City defense. But for him, the most important story to be told is about the Eagles' defensive line. "That Eagles D-line may go down as the greatest in history", Holmes declared. He also took a moment to applaud Eagles QB Jalen Hurts' resilience: "He’s been true to his faith no matter what - the good, the bad, the ugly. Now he's a Super Bowl MVP… and no one can take that from him." Vienna's Safety Ben Straight was equally mesmerized, especially by the sheer dominance of Philadelphia's defense: "As a defensive player myself, I enjoyed every second. The Eagles dominated all four quarters with a spectacular defensive performance. Being able to apply that much pressure with just a four man rush is insane… awesome game."

The Vienna Vikings have added several homegrown talents to their roster in preperation for the 2025 season. The Vikings in their quest to win the ELF championship once again have added 5 rookies along with two veteran players to their roster.  The so-called Homegrown players will remain the heart of every team. "We have outstanding home grown talent here in Vienna. The Austrian Vikings players are just tremendous. When I sit in my office taking a look at my roster whiteboard, I am very happy. “Not only were we able to extend contracts with key players, we even managed to add more high profile Austrian talent,” - Vikings HC Chris Calaycay Promising Austrian Rookies Quarterback Nico Hrouda who has been the team’s quarterback in the Austrian Football League the past few seasons. Last summer he led the AFL in passing with 2,405 yards and 27 touchdowns. Hrouda was named the 2024 League MVP of the AFL, leading the Vikings to teh championship game.  He is joined by with WR Nils Keimel, DB Elias Allmer, defensive lineman Max Grünsteidl and Manuel Radfux will all make their ELF debut this season.  “We are always on the lookout for the next great Homegrown Austrian to represent the Vikings at the highest level in Europe. Each year the talent in the Austrian League develops, we always scout for that next Noah Toure or Noel Swancar. These guys definitely have potential, we can’t wait to watch them developing.” - Chris Calaycay Watch the ELF's signing center Defensive line depth The Vikings re-signed defensive lineman Florian Grünsteidl and Oskar Kranich.Kranich had 17 tackles, including 4.5 tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks. The 25-year old has 10 career sacks for the Vikings since 2022. Florian Grünsteidl on the other hand has decades of experience at 42 years old, even at that age the 125 kg defensive tackle had 3.5 sacks and 11 tackles and 5.5 tackles for a loss last season.  “These two add veteran depth andmake plays when called upon. For instance, Flo had his best statistical season in the league so far, coming up with sacks at the right moment,“ - Chris Calaycay Get your ticket to the 2025 ELF Championship Game!    

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