Cologne Centurions – Rebuild for the first winning record

As part of our preview series for all 16 teams in the European League of Football heading into the 2025 season, we turn our spotlight to the Cologne Centurions. Due to many departures, the front office had to rebuild the team from the ground.

American Imports – Last minute QB chance

Shortly before the start of the season, there will be very important change at the playmaker position for Cologne. In the offseason, college star Jeremy Moussa was introduced as starting quarterback. He was supposed to follow in the footsteps of Isaiah Weed, who had moved to the Helvetic Mercenaries. But that will not happen. There were several points on which the opinions of Moussa and the team did not match, which is why both sides decided to part ways quickly. 

Just one day before the start of the season, a new US import, Keegan McCormack-Reamer, was introduced. The talented signal caller already spent last season in Germany with the Münster Blackhawks. In the United States, he played at Virginia University of Lynchburg and took part in the 2023 NFL Draft. After the short-term acquisition, however, he will probably need some time to get used to his new team and the game plan.

Also new to the team is wide receiver Austine Osborne. The US American played four seasons at NCAA Division 1 colleges University of Washington and Bowling Green State University, where he was named first-team All-County twice. In 2024, he moved to Europe to play for the Berlin Rebels in the German Football League. Osborne is a physical receiver who could become important, especially on short routes. However, he is not the explosive deep threat that Carlos Hill was last season. 

Keegan McCormack-Reamer ©Münster Blackhawks/Olaf Kerber.

Plenty of power in the Centurions' defensive line

There are also new faces in the defensive line. Firstly, E-import Jai-Albert Jackson has arrived. The Brit already knows Cologne well. He played for the Centurions in 2023 and started ten games this season. He also played for Stuttgart Surge and the Barcelona Dragons, where he made his big breakthrough. Because in Spain he didn't play as a defensive end, but as an outside linebacker. 

A position that Jackson is much better suited to, especially due to his explosiveness, speed, and athleticism. It will be interesting to see whether the Centurions use him as an edge rusher or as an outside linebacker, as it was previously the case.

A decision that could also influence Alex Alteus. The new A-import is also a good pass rusher, with speed and power. However, Alteus is more of a defensive end than a linebacker. In the United States, Alteus played for several universities, gaining valuable experience as a defensive player. Most recently, he played for Eastern Illinois University and Stetson University.

Alex Alteus ©Stetson University Athletics

Homegrown Heros - talent meets experience

In addition to exciting newcomers such as Anakin Ates, Maximilian Weitz and Flemming Friesen, the Centurions will also feature experienced German ELF players. Kicker Jens Appelt is entering his fourth season, just like safety Efekan Akgün. Backfield mate Richard Grooten is already entering his fifth season in the league. The 31-year-old began his ELF career with the Centurions and then moved to Rhein Fire, where he became champion in 2023. He returned to Cologne in 2024, where he immediately took on an important starting role. 

Coaching staff - Old friend and familiar faces

The Centurions are also relying on a new head coach. Javan Lenhardt was already active as a coach with the Cologne Centurions in 2021 and 2022, back then as defensive coordinator. He then coached the Frankfurt Galaxy defensive backs. He will be supported by Offensive Coordinator Quinten Pounds, who played for the Centurions himself from 2021 to 2022 as Wide Receiver.

Javan Lenhardt ©Löwer

First winning season for the Cologne Centurions?

An exciting season awaits the fans of the Cologne Centurions. Many things are new, but the hunger for victories is likely to remain the same. Reaching the playoffs would certainly be a surprise but is not impossible. After a 6-6 record in the previous season, the first positive ELF record in franchise history is a good goal for the 2025 season. 

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