Rhein Fire

The first game week of the 2025 ELF season is complete, and it already gave us exciting action, close finishes, and strong performances from many players across Europe. Among them were several homegrown talents who stepped up in key moments and helped their teams succeed. Defensive players become Quarterback nightmares In Wroclaw, the Panthers dominated the Fehérvár Enthroners with a 55-point performance, but it wasn’t just the offense that impressed. The defense played a major role, especially the defensive line, which became a nightmare for Enthroners quarterback Brock Domann. He was sacked five times, with Karlis Brauns and Hubert Ogrodowczyk each collecting two sacks. The Panthers’ front was aggressive, physical, and simply too much for the Enthroners' offensive line. At Rhein Fire, two more defenders made headlines. Hugo Klages constantly pressured Paris Musketeers QB Jaylon Henderson and recorded two sacks. His teammate Flamur Simon, one of the league’s top linebackers, led the team with several important tackles and sealed the win with a game-winning interception. Simon’s leadership and football IQ were once again on full display. Hugo Klages made two sacks against the Musketeers. ©Maxime Le Pihif Speedster Mayr runs past the Lions Offensively, Yannick Mayr proved why he’s one of the fastest players in the league. Back with his former team, the Vienna Vikings, Mayr quickly became a favorite target for quarterback Ben Holmes. He finished the game with 7 catches for 139 yards and also added value in the return game, bringing back two kickoffs for a total of 69 yards. His deep threat ability gave the Vikings a strong vertical option from the very start. Yannick Mayr is known for making big plays. ©Hannes Jirgal Running back trio shines bright The running back position also saw great homegrown talent. In Wroclaw, Dawid Brzozowski picked up right where he left off last season. He ran for 113 yards and a touchdown on just 17 carries, showing great vision and balance. In Wil, Anton Witmeur took the spotlight for the Nordic Storm after starting RB Glen Toonga left the game due to injury. Witmeur stepped in and impressed with 106 rushing yards and a touchdown, averaging an outstanding 9.64 yards per carry — a breakout performance under pressure. Meanwhile in Munich, Justin Rodney continued to prove his value as a dynamic all-around weapon. The Ravens running back rushed for 103 yards on 15 carries and added a crucial 39-yard touchdown reception in a key moment of the game, helping Munich beat the Raiders Tirol. Justin Rodney continued his strong performance from last season. ©Roland Johannes Week 1 reminded us how deep the talent pool in the ELF has become — especially among local players. And with Week 2 just ahead, more stories will be written, and new homegrowns will rise. Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

Week 1 is in the book! There were many highlights and some players who presented themselves in excellent shape in the season opener. They are the ELF Stats Leaders Week 1. Passing Leader #1 Jakeb Sullivan (BTH) (413 YDS) #2 Russell Tabor (MUC) (260 YDS) #3 Jadrian Clark (NDS) (258 YDS) Jakeb Sullivan ©Eric Muehle. Passing Touchdown Leader #1 Jakeb Sullivan (BTH) (7 TDs) #2 Jadrian Clark (NDS) (5 TDs) #3 Demarcus Irons Jr. (WPA) (3 TDs) Rushing Leader #1 Tomiwa Oyewo (SRG) (122 YDS) #2 Glen Toonga (NDS) (114 YDS) #3 David Brzozowski (WPA) (113 YDS)  Tomiwa Oyewo ©Svenja Sabatini. Rushing Touchdown Leader #1 Demarcus Irons Jr. (WPA) (2 TDs) #1 Karri Pajarinen (VIK) (2 TDs) #1 Reilly Hennessey (SRG) (2 TDs) Demarcus "DJ" Irons Jr. ©Lukasz Skwiot. Tackling Leader #1 Jan Mayerhofer (RAI) (11 total Tackles) #1 Marius Kensy (RHF) (11 total Tackles) #2 Aleksandar Borkovic (ENT) (10 total Tackles) Sack Leader #1 Max Parkinson (NDS) (3 Sacks, 38 Sack YDS) #2 Lucky Ogbevoen (VIK) (2 Sacks, 15 Sack YDS) #3 H. Ogrodowczyk (WPA) (2 Sacks, 12 Sack YDS)     Interception Leader #1 Devan Burrell (WPA) (1 Int., 82 INT YDS) #2 Luke Glenna (NDS) (1 Int., 70 INT YDS) #3 Emmanuel Delgado (BTH (1 Int., 44 INT YDS) Devan Burrell ©Lukasz Skwiot. Kicking Leader #1 Mathys Dupont (PAR) (3, FG ATT, 3 FG made, 100% accuracy)  #2 Alvaro Peñas (MAD) (2, FG ATT, 2 FG made, 100% accuracy)  #2 Timo Bronn (SRG) (2, FG ATT, 2 FG made, 100% accuracy)  Get all the stats after Week 1 Don't miss a play - watch the ELF live on DAZN

The season has started, the first matchday is over. Some teams have started with a defeat, others with a win. How do the results affect the winning in season opening games? Note: Since not all teams have been part of the European League of Football since 2021, not every team has played the same number of opening games. Therefore, the sorting is based on the percentage of success.  Some fans must be very strong now. Four franchises have not been able to win any of their season-opening games yet. Frankfurt Galaxy (2021: L, 2022: L, 2023: L, 2024: L. 2025 L) Fehérvár Enthroners (2023: L, 2024: L, 2025: L) Prague Lions (2023: L, 2024: L, 2025: L) Helvetic Mercenaries (2023: L, 2024: L, 2025: L) After the clear defeat against Berlin Thunder, the success rate of the Cologne Centurions has changed. Cologne Centurions (2021: L, 2022: W, 2023: L, 2024: L, 2025: L)   Good news for the Munich Ravens. In this year, they were able to win their first season opening game.  Munich Ravens (2023: L, 2024: L, 2025: W) The Berlin Thunder improved their position with a clear 63:14 victory against the Cologne Centurions in Week 1. Berlin Thunder (2021: L, 2022: L, 2023: W, 2024: L, 2025: W) The narrow and tough 12-13 defeat against the Madrid Bravos caused the Hamburg Sea Devils to slip from 75 to 60 percent. Hamburg Sea Devils (2021: W, 2022: W, 2023: L, 2024: W, 2025: L) Not the start to the season the Raiders had hoped for. After the loss to the Munich Ravens, they were only able to win half of their season opening games. Raiders Tirol  (2022: L, 2023: W, 2024: W, 2025: L) We have made it past the halfway mark. For the first time, the Musketeers were unable to win their first game of the season. They were only two points away from a win against champions Rhein Fire. Paris Musketeers (2023: W, 2024: W, 2025: L) We are getting closer to perfection. Nevertheless, there have been defeats. But in this year, Stuttgart Surge won their Opening Game against Frankfurt Galaxy. Stuttgart Surge (2021: W, 2022: L, 2023: W, 2024: W, 2025 W)   Let's move on to the elite. Fans of these five teams were also able to see an opening game victory in this year. Wroclaw Panthers (2021: W, 2022: W, 2023: W, 2024: W, 2025: W) Vienna Vikings (2022: W, 2023: W, 2024: W, 2025: W) Rhein Fire (2022: W, 2023: W, 2024: W, 2025: W) Madrid Bravos (2024: W, 2025: W) Nordic Storm (2025: W) Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

What a start to the fifth season of the European league of Football is behind us! The first matchday had great matchups and many highlights in store. In addition to touchdown shows, there were exciting matchups that were only decided shortly before the end. Hamburg Sea Devils defense shines against Madrid Bravos One of these was the clash between the Hamburg Sea Devils and Madrid Bravos, which ended 12:13. In the Spanish capital, it was above all the defensive players who shone. Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Kyle Kicthens told “firstdownmag”: "Everybody thought our defense gonna be bad, but we had proved a lot of people. We surprised a lot of people today." The Sea Devils' defense allowed only 13 points against a star-loaded Bravos team. Bravos head coach Andrew Weidinger expressed his frustration on the Spanish  "8 Costuras Podcast": "We expected them to come out and play hard. It shouldn't have been quite as close as it was, but that's our own fault. That's my fault."  Bravos head coach is struggling with missed chances against Sea Devils The missed chances in particular annoyed the experienced coach: "We got to just practice and get better because we had our opportunities. We didn't capitalize on them." Quarterback Reid Sinnet had his star receiver Aron Cruickshank open several times, including for touchdowns, but narrowly missed. Another touchdown was taken away from the duo by a penalty. Both played a good game, but could have crowned their performance and given their head coach a more relaxed evening. Weidinger praises his defense, but sees huge potential for improvement in the offense. The next chance to prove themselves comes in Week 2, again at home in the Estadio Vallehermoso against Frankfurt Galaxy, who are coming off a clear defeat against Stuttgart Surge. ©Henning Rohlfs Two blocked field goals decide Sea Devils at Bravos The Sea Devils' offense also had to struggle with a good opposing defense. However, the end of the game was particularly bitter. Sea Devils Kicker Eric Schlomm had victory on his feed shortly before the end. It would have been the fourth win in the fifth season opening game. But Schlomm showed nerves. His kick hit the left post. The Hamburg Sea Devils lose, celebrations for the Madrid Bravos. Or were they? A yellow flag put the brakes on the Spaniards' euphoria. The field goal had to be retaken due to a false start penalty. Another try for Schlomm, but he also failed to score the second game-winning field goal. Watch the Sea Devils at Bravos highlights here! Sea Devils head coach Rowland looking forward to more Despite the disappointment, Lee Rowland takes positives from his first game as Head Coach of the Hamburg Sea Devils: "I'm very proud of the boys. They showed that they can play football despite last week's setbacks. Of course, there are things we still need to work on, but we showed today who we are and what we stand for. It was a game that was decided by just one point - that's football." Wide receiver Jean-Claude Madin Cerezo, who still wore the Bravos' jersey in the 2024 season, feels the same way: "We acted like a family, you could feel that on the field. The potential in this team is huge. Now it's time to keep working hard and grow as a unit." Raiders let game against Ravens slip away in last quarter The game between Raiders Tirol and Munich Ravens was also decided shortly before the end. In the end, the Ravens recorded a 20:7 victory. The Raiders were still leading 7:6 until the fourth quarter, but two late touchdowns by the Ravens decided the game. Raiders safety Vincent Müller said reflectively after the game: "A lot of mistakes, a lot of lack of concentration. We beat ourselves today. They are a good team, but we shot ourselves in the foot. In the end, you lose 20:7, despite the big plays. You lose and win together."   Now the focus is completely on the game in week 2 against the Helvetic Mercenaries. "Not the start we had in mind. But we have a tough week of training ahead of us so that we can get our first win next week at homecoming," says wide receiver Philipp Haun. Watch the Raiders at Ravens highlights here! Musketeers narrowly failed to beat champions Rhein Fire Meanwhile, the current ELF champions Rhein Fire won by just two points against the Paris Musketeers. The French side could also have secured victory in the final quarter. But the Rhein Fire defense had other plans. First, they averted an almost certain field goal with two sacks and good tackling. Fire's star defender Flamur Simon then robbed them of their last chance to win with a late-game interception.   The Paris Musketeers face Stuttgart Surge in week 2, who showed good form with a clear win against Frankfurt Galaxy. Rhein Fire will have a bye week. Watch the Rhein Fire at Musketeers highlights here!  

Season five is here! Week 1 in the European League of Football started with some good Matchups and highlights. Let's take a look at the early games of Saturday 17th May.  Watch all plays live with the Game Pass on DAZN Fehérvár Enthroners @ Wroclaw Panthers: 12:55  The Wroclaw Panthers remain strong in season opening games, winning their first game of the season six out of six times. Quarterback Demarcus "DJ" Irons Jr. in particular impressed in his first game in a Panthers jersey. The A-import added a strong new dimension to the Panthers' offense. The dual threat showed his qualities in both the pass and the run, and opens up a lot of space and opportunities for star running back David Brzozowski through clever play-actions. Irons scored his first ELF touchdown already on the third play with a strong 26-yard run. In addition to strong footwork, the newcomer also impressed with excellent ball placement. Irons Jr. finished the game with three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns, racking up 117 passing and 77 rushing yards. Teammate Devin Burrell proved once again why he was named Special Teams Player of the Year last season, scoring another punt return touchdown in addition to plenty of return yards. The A-import also made a crazy 82-yard interception return, during which he broke several tackles. The Fehérvár Enthroners on the other side made some good plays. In the end, however, they were unable to keep up with the Panthers' offensive power. In addition, they showed some weaknesses on defense. Quarterback Brock Domann still showed a solid game, but was often hold back by the strong defense of the opponent, the bad weather from the second half on and his own offensive line (four sacks). In the end, the only thing the Enthroners won on this day is the coin toss.     "DJ" Irons impressed. ©Lukasz Skwiot Watch the Enthroners at Panthers Highlights Rhein Fire @ Paris Musketeers: 17:15  The Rhein Fire reminded fans that they are still the team to beat in the ELF, extending their win streak against the Paris Musketeers. New quarterback Chad Jeffries made several big plays in this one, both as a runner and a passer. The veteran ran and threw for a touchdown in his Rhein Fire debut.However, the play of the day came on the defense for the Fire as All-Star homegrown linebacker Flamur Simon made a diving interception with under a minute to go, sealing the game for the Fire.The defending champions spoiled the debut of new Paris head coach Jack Del Rio and quarterback Jaylon Henderson. The Musketeers out gained the Fire in yardage but struggled in the red zone. Paris had a chance to win the game but costly sacks and a interception ended their hopes of pulling off the upset.  Champion Rhein Fire start the season 1-0. ©Maxime LePihif.   Watch the Rhein Fire at Musketeers Highlights

Here are the storylines for Week 1 as we kick off the first gameday of the 2025 ELF season! Fehérvár Enthroners at Wroclaw Panthers New goals for the Panthers   The Panthers go into 2025 after missing the playoffs for two consecutive seasons. This year they are hoping to set the tone for step forward in 2025 against an Enthroners team they have dominated in the past.  Rhein Fire at Paris Musketeers Jack Del Rio’s debut New Musketeers head coach Jack Del Rio will make his debut for the French squad against the back to back defending champions and of course his former NFL opponent Jim Tomsula’s squad. This game features several all star players and the league’s two most notable coaches in what's sure to be an instant classic.  Hamburg Sea Devils at Madrid Bravos Can the Bravos charge forward? Year one in Madrid can only be described as a smashing success, as the Spanish squad made the playoffs in their first year. Now under new head coach Andrew Weidinger and former NFL quarterback Reid Sinnett the Bravos hope to charge into championship contender status. Watch all games on DAZN

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

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

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

The ELF season is here and the team rosters are set. With this article, you have the chance to take a look at your team’s roster. Here is the roster of Rhein Fire: Active Players Offense Quarterback #12 Rohat Dagdelen (Quarterback) #1 Chad Jeffries (Quarterback) #16 Tom Wolf (Quarterback) Running Back #28 Tyrone Alexander (Running Back) #6 Sergej Kendus (Running Back) #20 Paul Breuer (Running Back) #11 Jonathan Scott (Running Back) Fullback #43 Patrick Poetsch (Fullback) #42 Jeton Novoberdalija (Fullback) Tight End #86 Moritz Gotzmann (Tight End) #87 Johannes Jäkel (Tight End) Wide Receiver #5 Jordan Bouah (Wide Receiver) #8 Justin Schlesinger (Wide Receiver) #10 Harlan Kwofie (Wide Receiver) #13 Jannik Loercks (Wide Receiver) #89 Leon Höltker (Wide Receiver) #88 Onuora Joseman (Wide Receiver) #17 Rory Starkey (Wide Receiver) Offensive Tackle #66 Arnoud Holierhoek (Offensive Tackle) #77 Sven Breidenbach (Offensive Tackle) #79 Stefan Herkenrath (Offensive Tackle) Offensive Guard #54 Marvin Pludra (Offensive Guard) #68 Nick Wiens (Offensive Guard) #62 Kaan Timpel (Offensive Guard) #59 Eboh-Austine Igba-Ujene (Offensive Guard) Center #76 Lukas Jakobi (Center) Defense Defensive Tackle #97 Jason Chikere (Defensive Tackle) #94 Justus Sleiman (Defensive Tackle) #57 Mustafa Hausmann (Defensive Tackle) #99 Hugo Klages (Defensive Tackle) #92 Peter Ganz (Defensive Tackle) #98 Benedict Etanabene (Defensive Tackle) Defensive End #30 Matthias Banjaqui (Defensive End) Outside Linebacker #26 Lino Schröter (Outside Linebacker) #45 Bennet Dümmer (Outside Linebacker) #90 Destiny Idiahi (Outside Linebacker) #93 Fry Mosquera (Outside Linebacker) Middle Linebacker #31 Flamur Simon (Inside Linebacker) #55 Luis Fiedler (Linebacker) #3 Lennart Weitz (Inside Linebacker) #44 Marius Kensy (Middle Linebacker) Cornerback #4 Jannik Seibel (Cornerback) #7 Till Janssen (Cornerback) #0 Tony Anderson (Cornerback) #23 Vincent Bujalla (Cornerback) #21 Elias Jassey (Cornerback) #24 Dereck Onyia (Cornerback) Free Safety #2 Omari Williams (Free Safety) #9 Darrius Nash (Free Safety) Strong Safety #27 Max Richter (Strong Safety) #29 Lenard Barth (Strong Safety) Special Teams Punter #14 Maximilian Eisenhut (Punter) Kicker #33 Sebastian Van Santen (Kicker)  Inactive Players Injured or PUP Players Center #69 Paul Kolter (Center) Practice Squad Offense Running Back #22 Dominik Waase (Running Back) Wide Receiver #18 Eritros Haggi (Wide Receiver) #84 Lukas Ritz (Wide Receiver) Defense Linebacker #53 Enrico Ligotti (Inside Linebacker) Cornerback #25 Marius Rieks (Cornerback)   If you want to take a closer look at each player, check out the player profiles on our website. Take a closer look at the roster of Rhein Fire

One of the more interesting divisions in the ELF this upcoming season is the North Division, consisting of the Rhein Fire, Nordic Storm, Hamburg Sea Devils, and Berlin Thunder.  Let’s take a look at some of the top storylines from these four franchises. Could we see a Rhein Fire three-peat? A three-peat is no easy feat. Just ask the 2025 Kansas City Chiefs. The Rhein Fire have an opportunity to make history and claim a third straight title under head coach Jim Tomsula. However, the team has undergone major changes as star quarterback and running back Jadrian Clark and GLen Toonga have left the squad.  New quarterback Chad Jeffries hopes to help the Rhein Fire keep the championship standard burning this season. A fierce Nordic Storm brewing? The Nordic Storm enter the 2025 ELF season as the league’s only brand new franchise. The team consists of several ELF veterans and a talented list of hometowns from both Sweden and Denmark. The Storm made the biggest splash of the off-season, signing former MVPs and Rhein Fire stars in QB Jadrian Clark and RB Glen Toonga. The two will face off against their former team twice in divisional play.  The experience and star power of the team will have to carry the rest of the squad which will be new to the higher level of ELF football. Head coach John Schoop leads the league’s most intriguing team into 2025 with high expectations.    Berlin’s new look The Thunder entered the 2025 with new head coach Jag Bal, new uniforms, and several new players added to the roster. The Capital city team will be led by ELF veteran QB Jakeb Sullivan and running back Gennadiy Adams. They also recently signed All-Star defensive tackle William Lydle. Let’s see how much noise the Thunder can make in 2025. Hamburg Sea Devils - A new Era Recently Lee Rowland takes over as the head coach in Hamburg. Fatah was able to show off his recruiting talents and convince DPOY Kyle Kitchens to come to Hamburg this off-season, along with ELF veteran WR Terryon Robinson.  One question that remains is at the quarterback position where “rookie” Micah Leon will take over for the Sea Devils after spending his final college years at the University of Florida.  Get Your Tickets to the 2025 ELF Championship Game!

The season kicks off in only 16 days, as teams are excited to hit the game field for the first time since last year. Let's take a look at some of the top moves teams made last month to prepare for week one.   Rhein Fire get WR with NFL experience Rhein Fire has completed its American player roster with the signing of wide receiver Rory Starkey. He joins quarterback Chad Jeffries and defensive backs Omari Williams and Darius Nash as the fourth American on the team. Starkey will add even more talent to an already strong wide receiver group.   After his time in college, he had opportunities with the Green Bay Packers and the Houston Roughnecks of the UFL.  Madrid Bravos add DROY The Madrid Bravos have made a strong addition to their defensive line by signing Pierre-Yves Majo. The 24-year-old defensive lineman played his first season in the European League of Football in 2024 and immediately made an impact.   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.   Paris Musketeers sign All-American DT The Paris Musketeers have signed defensive tackle Lamonte McDougle. The American joins former NFL head coach Jack Del Rio in the French capital as the first American import on defense for the French squad.  McDougle played for West Virginia, UTEP, and Washington State during his college career, building a reputation as a disruptive nose tackle.  Enthroners make an import switch The European League of Football season hasn’t started yet, but the Fehérvár Enthroners have already made changes to their roster. They have signed American defensive lineman Michael Badejo, who will replace Emmit Gooden. Badejo brings with him D1 experience from SMU and was a standout last season in the German Football League.  Surge bring back star safety In a move that will excite Stuttgart Surge fans across the league, defensive back Raheem Simiram-Wilson is returning for the 2025 season. After a breakout campaign in 2024, the 31-year-old veteran has re-signed with the team and is set to remain a central piece in head coach Jordan Neuman’s defensive puzzle. The former CFL starter had 6 interceptions last season in only ten games, making an enormous impact on the Stuttgart Surge defense.  Munich Ravens load up on defense The Munich Ravens will bring back defenders Wael Nasri, Etuale Lui, and Christoph Nitzlnander. As the Bavarian squad hopes to make another playoff run this year.  One new face for the Ravens will be safety Cole Coleman. Cole knows the ELF, playing for the Vienna Vikings last season. Prior to coming to Europe the former Elon DB spent time in the NFL and CFL.  Get Your Tickets to the 2025 ELF Championship Game!  

Great honor for the current champion of the European League of Football: As part of the NFL Draft 2025, the Rhein Fire players QB Chad Jeffries and DB Omari Williams were able to announce a player selection (draft pick) live for the NFL partner club Seattle Seahawks. From the Rheinterrassen Düsseldorf, some players and fans went live on US television to present the selection of DT Rylie Mills / Notre Dame to the worldwide football fans in front of the TVs in the 5th round.           Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an                       Ein Beitrag geteilt von Seattle Seahawks (@seahawks) "We are very proud that the Seahawks have asked us to announce their draft pick" "An incredible effort, considering that the broadcast only lasts just under 30 seconds,” says Rhein-Fire General Manager Max Paatz, summarizing the extraordinary operation. As part of the international marketing strategy, draft picks have been regularly announced on US television via live broadcasts from around the world for several years now.  It was a special honor for Rhein Fire Owner Martin Wagner: "Rhein Fire has been working closely with the Seattle Seahawks from the National Football League since last year. We are very proud that the Seahawks have asked us to announce their draft pick tonight live on US television and World Stream. Around 15 million viewers watched us in the USA alone." Rhein Fire announced further activities together with the NFL team for the upcoming season in the European League of Football. This includes the first home game on June 1 against the Vienna Vikings, which will take place in the Merkur Spiel-Arena in Düsseldorf. Don't miss a single ELF Game - Get your Game Pass

In April, we are revealing the Top 100 graded players of the 2024 European League of Football season, based on SportsMetrics’ advanced evaluation system. These rankings are based only on on-field performance — including consistency, impact, and position-specific stats. Today, we highlight the player ranked #1. Who is on top of the league? #1 Glen Toonga What a season for running back Glen Toonga. The 30-year-old had an outstanding 2024 season with 1,576 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns. He was by far the best in both categories and set a new record for rushing touchdowns in a single season and earned the #1 spot in this year’s Top 100. It was therefore no huge surprise that the Brit was named ELF MVP 2024. New chapter with Nordic Storm With his strong performances, Toonga also played a major part in Rhein Fire winning their second ELF Championship Game in a row. In the offseason, Toonga then caused a stir with a shocking transfer. He will play for the newly founded Nordic Storm team next season. Can the experienced running back also be extremely productive here? Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass

    Following day 3 of the NFL Draft the New York Jets signed former ELF player Leander Wiegand as an undrafted free agent. The former ELF champion and All-Star now takes his talents from Germany to the big stage in the NFL. Wiegand joined the NFL's International Player Pathway Program this year along with fellow ELF players, Maceo Beard, Lenny Krieg, and Bastian Roppelt. Wiegand impressed scouts on his pro day with a eyebrow raising performance. Wiegand had 38 reps on the bench press test, 5 more than any other player at the NFL combine this year.  Wiegand is now the second ELF player this off-season to be signed by the NFL as former Stuttgart Surge kicker Lenny Krieg  signed with the Atlanta Falcons earlier this spring.  The talented German lineman played one season at University of Central Florida (NCAA D1) before returning to Germany in 2022 playing for the Cologne Centurions that season. The following season Wiegand was a key part of the Rhein Fire's championship offensive line earning 1st team All ELF Honors. 2024, marked another move as Wiegand joined the Munich Ravens, where he was coached by NFL Hall of famer Joe Thomas.  The 25-year old, 196 cm and 137 kg lineman now makes a huge jump from the ELF to the NFL with the New York Jets. Get Your Tickets to the ELF Championship!  

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

New Rhein Fire quarterback Chad Jeffries sat down with "ELF Live" host Nick Alfieri at the FIBO to talk about his move from the Munich Ravens to the defending champions. Jeffries, a veteran quarterback from California first came to Europe in 2017, playing in the German Football League and eventually the Austrian league where he spent five seasons as the quarterback of the Danube Dragons.  Munich Ravens first ever QB In 2023, he made the jump from the Austrian Football League to the ELF leading the Munich Ravens as their first ever quarterback for two seasons. The savvy vet put up impressive numbers and earned All Star and MVP nominee honors in those two seasons. Jeffries threw for 6,423 yards and 65 touchdowns, and added another 700 yards and 12 scores on the ground as a true dual threat. After two successful seasons in Munich, all signs pointed to a return. "So after that playoff game I was definitely set for going back to Munich, building off of that playoff run." Move to Rhein Fire However, after following the 2024 season Jeffries had a change of heart, signing with the Rhein Fire. Former NFL head coach Jim Tomsula and a championship atmosphere were two key factors in the decision. "The Rhein Fire came at me pretty strong and it was fun. They showed me a lot of love. Coach Tomsula is doing a great job behind the scenes. The big thing was my family. Rhein Fire showed me that they can take care of me on and off the field." A new era in Düsseldorf Jeffries takes over for 2024 MVP and 2025 Championship Game MVP Jadrian Clark who moved from the Rhein Fire to the Nordic Storm this off-season after leading the Fire to back to back titles. The Fire of course, also lost their star running back and 2024 MVP Glen Toonga to the Storm as well. The 2025 season will mean that many new faces will look to fill the shoes of two of the ELF's greatest players yet. The 32-year old Jeffries knows that he is ushering in a new era for the Fire with his arrival. "What we can do in the future, really motivates me. I'm coming in the best shape possible." Jeffries and the Rhein Fire will kick-off their season May 17th in Paris as they take on the Musketeers in a highly anticipated week one match up. Get your tickets for the 2025 ELF Championship Game!  

In April, we are revealing the Top 100 graded players of the 2024 European League of Football season, based on SportsMetrics’ advanced evaluation system. These rankings are based only on on-field performance — including consistency, impact, and position-specific stats. Today, we highlight the player ranked #9. #9 Chad Jeffries Even though Rhein Fire won their second championship in a row, there were big changes in the offseason. Key players like Glen Toonga and Jadrian Clark left the team and joined the new franchise Nordic Storm. That meant Rhein Fire had to make big decisions — especially at the quarterback position. A new star QB for Rhein Fire Their choice: Chad Jeffries, one of the best QBs in the ELF over the last two seasons. Jeffries played for the Munich Ravens in 2023 and had an amazing year. He was a nominee for both Offensive Player of the Year and MVP. In 2024, Jeffries threw for 2,888 yards and 35 touchdowns. But he didn’t just impress with his passing. He also ran the ball 83 times for 337 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. His ability to pass and run makes him a true dual-threat quarterback. With Jeffries, Rhein Fire added not just a great passer — but also a dynamic playmaker who brings a new level to their offense. Because of his strong and consistent performance, Chad Jeffries is well-deserved at #9 in the ELF Top 100. Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

In April, we are revealing the Top 100 graded players of the 2024 European League of Football season, based on SportsMetrics' advanced evaluation system. These rankings focus only on performance on the field — including consistency, impact, and position-specific stats. Today, we take a look at the players ranked from #30 to #21. #30 Tobias Bonatti Austrian running back Tobias Bonatti had another great season for the Raiders Tirol, even though an injury stopped him from playing the full year. In limited games, he still rushed for 750 yards and scored 13 touchdowns — earning his spot in the Top 100. Sven Breidenbach is one of the best offensive tackles in the league. ©Frederick Loewer  #29 Sven Breidenbach Sven Breidenbach is one of the key players behind Rhein Fire’s success. His strong performance on the offensive line helped the team win back-to-back ELF Championships. Breidenbach is respected across the European football scene. #28 Adrià Botella Moreno Tight end Adrià Botella Moreno is considered one of the best to ever play in the ELF. In 2024, he once again showed his talent with the Wroclaw Panthers. Even though the team had a mixed season, Moreno’s personal performance stood out. #27 Aleksandar Borkovic Serbian defensive back Aleksandar Borkovic impressed with his strong play for the Prague Lions in 2024. Now, with new homegrown rules in place, the Fehérvár Enthroners have added him to their roster as a valuable local talent. Rookie of the Year Milan Spiller is ready to go all out again in 2025. ©Just Shots #26 Milan Spiller Milan Spiller made history in his rookie ELF season by becoming the first European wide receiver to reach over 1,000 receiving yards. The Offensive Rookie of the Year will return to the Helvetic Mercenaries in 2025 as a top target for QB Isaiah Weed. #25 Jadrian Clark Championship Game MVP Jadrian Clark had a quieter season statistically compared to his 2023 MVP year — but he stepped up when it mattered most. His leadership and clutch play helped his team once again. Now, he joins the Nordic Storm as one of the ELF’s top quarterbacks. #24 Dauson Dales Linebacker Dauson Dales finished his career on a high note with the Paris Musketeers. He helped the team reach the semifinals and had a very strong final season before officially retiring from football. #23 Omari Williams Omari Williams has been in the ELF since day one — and now he's a three-time champion. Known for his consistency and ability to make big plays, Williams is tied as the all-time interception leader in the ELF. In 2025, he’ll aim to take the record for himself. Linebacker Zachary Blair played for the Milano Seamen in 2024. ©Marc Junge #22 Zachary Blair A true veteran of the league, Zach Blair played for several teams — including the Surge, Rams, and Centurions. In 2024, he suited up for the Milano Seamen and delivered strong performances, even though injuries shortened his season. #21 Karri Pajarinen Finnish running back Karri Pajarinen had a fantastic 2024 season for the Vienna Vikings. He totaled over 1,300 all-purpose yards and proved to be a dangerous weapon both on the ground and in the passing game — making him one of the top European imports in the league. Stay tuned as we continue to count down the Top 100 players of the 2024 ELF season — with more stars, stats, and stories to come! Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

In April, we are revealing the Top 100 graded players of the 2024 European League of Football season, based on SportsMetrics' advanced evaluation system. These rankings focus only on performance on the field — including consistency, impact, and position-specific stats. Today, we look at players ranked from #40 to #31. #40 Noah Touré In his first ELF season, Noah Touré made a strong impression. The young Austrian was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and became an important target for quarterback Ben Holmes. Touré is expected to play a key role again in 2025. #39 Tony Anderson After playing for the Raiders Tirol (2022) and Frankfurt Galaxy (2023), Tony Anderson had a great season with Rhein Fire. His turnovers and big tackles helped the team defend their ELF Championship title. #38 Yasir Raji Yasir Raji was another strong player for Rhein Fire last season. Now, he joins the Madrid Bravos with their new head coach Andrew Weidinger. As a powerful offensive lineman, Raji will be a key piece in both the pass and run game. #37 Sasan Jelvani Sasan Jelvani played an important role in Stuttgart Surge’s success in recent years. He was named to the ELF 2nd Team All-Star list in 2023 and continued to show strong leadership and performance on defense in 2024. #36 Samuel Higgs Samuel Higgs is the only punter in the ELF Top 100. With the Barcelona Dragons' offense struggling at times, Higgs had many chances to show off his powerful leg and consistent punting skills. Justin Rodney will also be hunting for touchdowns for the Munich Ravens in 2025. ©Lina Bollig #35 Justin Rodney  Justin Rodney had a breakout year. The German running back impressed with explosive runs and showed why he’s considered one of the best in the country. His great form made it clear why the Munich Ravens wanted him back. #34 James Brooks Even at 36 years old, James Brooks was one of the top pass rushers in the ELF. After another strong season, he now moves into coaching and will serve as Defensive Coordinator for the Prague Lions in 2025. #33 Pierre-Yves Majo   Pierre-Yves Majo had a fantastic first ELF season, earning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. After playing with the Helvetic Mercenaries, he now joins the Madrid Bravos for the 2025 season. #32 Carlos Hill Despite playing only nine games for the Cologne Centurions, Carlos Hill put up great numbers — 919 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. His explosive plays made him one of the top wide receivers of the season. Pablo Araya will once again be an important player for Madrid in 2025. ©Foot Bowl/Just Shots #31 Pablo Araya  Spanish safety Pablo Araya had a strong debut season in the ELF. He quickly became one of the league’s best defensive backs and was even a finalist for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Stay tuned as we continue to count down the Top 100 players of the 2024 ELF season — with more stars, stats, and stories to come! Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game now!

The European League of Football will soon be entering the new season. Will Rhein Fire make the three-peat? Who are the new stars of the teams? Questions upon questions. The teams have to answer many of them on the pitch, while we answer others in our “ELF Wire” format. Preparations for fith season of league history are in full swing. The teams have been practicing for a few days now and the final deals are being finalized. Over the past weeks and months, the front offices have worked hard to present the best possible roster for the upcoming season.    These are now almost completely finalized. Most of the spots are taken. Only a few announcements are still missing, so stay tuned and follow our channels and those of the teams closely.  The Opening Weekend will then begin on May 17th with the games Wroclaw Panthers vs. Ferhervar Enthroners, Paris Musketeers vs. Rhein Fire and Madrid Bravos vs. Hamburg Sea Devils. You can find a complete overview of all games here. Be ready. Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

In April, we are revealing the Top 100 graded players of the 2024 European League of Football season, based on the advanced evaluation system by SportsMetrics. These rankings reflect pure on-field performance, with position-specific stats, consistency, and impact across the season. Today, we take a look at players ranked #60 to #51. #60 Devin Taylor The US cornerback did not make it easy for opposing receivers last season. The 27-year-old recorded twelve pass deflections and two interceptions for the Raiders Tirol. His strong athleticism also allows him to be repeatedly integrated into the pass rush during blitz plays. #59 Hugo Tekedam Tekedam is extremely flexible. The 23-year-old Frenchman can play both quarterback and wide receiver. Last season, he performed impressively as a wideout for the Paris Musketeers. Tekedam caught 48 passes for 761 yards and four touchdowns, making him the team's second-best receiver behind Austin Mitchell. Consequently, the Musketeers extended his contract. ©Werner Thorenz. #58 Kelvin McKnight Jr. What does a team need to win a championship game? That's right, also a good receiver, and one of those is former NFL-Wideout Kelvin McKnight Jr.. His almost 700 receiving yards and six touchdowns from the regular season were joined by another 200 yards and a touchdown in Rhein Fire's extremely successful playoff run. ©Hannes Jirgal 57 Ben Holmes Rhein Fire defeated the Vienna Vikings in the championship game. But the fact that the Austrians were there at all is also thanks to quarterback Ben Holmes. The US import knew how to impress. The management was also impressed, so they extended Holmes contract this offseason. ©Hannes Jirgal #56 Kevin Kaya Even if the season didn't quite go as expected for Frankfurt Galaxy, wide receiver Kevin Kaya was able to impress. The 30-year-old caught 50 passes for 768 yards and six touchdowns. Kaya also signed a new contract. ©Kevin Reuss #55 Lucas Harting Candido Last season, the young and agile running back made his breakthrough with the Hamburg Sea Devils. Time and again, the 22-year-old found gaps in the opposing defense and was able to contribute four touchdowns. He was also repeatedly integrated into the Sea Devils' passing game. #54 Stanley Zeregbe The 28-year-old Frenchman was a difference-maker in the Paris Musketeers' defensive line last season. Zeregbe started every game and recorded 37 tackles, including 10.5 for loss and eight sacks, by far the most on his team. The Musketeers can also count on Zeregbe's services next season - he signed a new contract. ©Maxime Le Pihif 53 Robert Werner Last season, Werner scored 91 points for the Munich Ravens. That's right, 91! Making the 36-year-old German the second-highest scorer of all kickers in the league. Only Lenny Krieg from Stuttgart Surge scored more, and he is now under contract in the NFL. 52 Gerald Ameln Five games and a touchdown in each one: running back Ameln seemed to be a part of an otherwise rather unlucky team. The 23-year-old from the Cologne Centurions caught another touchdown through the air. The Homegrown still has potential and will prove it next season at Frankfurt Galaxy, where he signed this offseason. 51 Louis Geyer The wide receiver has been a true great in the ELF for years. At Stuttgart Surge, he became a cruicial red zone talent who achieved great things last season. Geyer not only caught 13 touchdowns, but also became the all-time receiving leader in the European League of Football, as well as making two appearances on the 2023 and 2024 All-Star teams. As a reward, he was invited to the Canadian Football League Combine. ©Svenja Sabatini Stay tuned as we continue to count down the Top 100 players of the 2024 ELF season — with more stars, stats, and stories to come! Don't miss a single Game - Get your Game Pass!

In April, we are revealing the Top 100 graded players of the 2024 European League of Football season, based on the advanced evaluation system by SportsMetrics. These rankings reflect pure on-field performance, with position-specific stats, consistency, and impact across the season. Today, we take a look at players ranked #70 to #61. #70 Darragh Leader  Darragh Leader was a scoring machine for the Raiders Tirol. The Irish kicker was one of the most reliable in the ELF last season. Whether it was a field goal or an extra point, Leader got the job done. His accuracy gave the Raiders a strong boost in close games. For now, it’s still unknown where he’ll play in 2025. Stanley was one of the best receivers last season. ©Roland Johannes #69 Malik Stanley  A well-known name across the league, Malik Stanley showed once again why he's one of the ELF’s top receivers. Despite playing fewer games last season, the American wideout still finished with elite numbers for the Munich Ravens. His ability to make big plays secured him a well-deserved spot in the Top 100. #68 Jakob Sullivan  Jakob Sullivan is a true ELF veteran and a former champion. The American quarterback led the league in passing yards in 2024. While the season didn’t go as planned for Berlin Thunder, Sullivan proved that he remains one of the top QBs in Europe. Joc Crawford plays for the Mercenaries in the 2025 season. ©Eric Ribé #67 Joc Crawford  Even at age 37, Joc Crawford keeps performing at a high level. Last season, he played for the Milano Seamen and brought energy and power to their offense. For 2025, he joins the Helvetic Mercenaries, showing no signs of slowing down. #66 Isaiah Weed  Another exciting addition for the Mercenaries is QB Isaiah Weed. Known for his dual-threat ability, Weed can beat defenses through the air and on the ground. His explosive style made him one of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch last season. #65 Ryan Rimmler  Ryan Rimmler had a tough start to the season, but he improved each week. His biggest moment? A record-breaking 60-yard field goal — the longest in ELF history. That one kick alone made headlines across the league. The Hamburg Sea Devils got top cornerback Roedion Henrique. ©Petra Kutasi #64 Roedion Henrique  Henrique is one of the most consistent defensive backs in the league. Last season with the Enthroners, he made several big plays and proved once again why he’s a top DB. For 2025, he’s headed to the Hamburg Sea Devils to bring experience and leadership to the secondary. #63 Martin Pinter Martin Pinter made a name for himself last season with the Cologne Centurions. His ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback caught the attention of the Frankfurt Galaxy, who signed him for 2025. Pinter brings toughness and production to an already strong defense. #62 Sandro Platzgummer  The former New York Giants running back showed his elite talent in the ELF. Platzgummer was a key part of the Galaxy’s offense and formed a strong duo with QB Matthew McKay. In 2025, he'll team up with Gerald Ameln to create a dangerous backfield. Marius Kensy wants to win the third title in a row for Rhein Fire. ©Fabio Deinert #61 Marius Kensy Marius Kensy was one of the best linebackers in the league last season. With 94 tackles and 2 sacks, he played a big role in Rhein Fire’s Championship-winning season. He’s back for 2025 and ready to lead the defense again. Stay tuned as we continue to count down the Top 100 players of the 2024 ELF season — with more stars, stats, and stories to come! Get your tickets for the Championship Game in Stuttgart!

In April, we are revealing the Top 100 graded players of the 2024 European League of Football season, based on the advanced evaluation system by SportsMetrics. These rankings reflect pure on-field performance, with position-specific stats, consistency, and impact across the season. Today, we take a look at players ranked #80 to #71. #80 Hugo Dyrendahl What a rookie year for the 26-year-old. The linebacker was able to establish himself right away with Frankfurt Galaxy, starting all twelve games and recording 135 tackles. He even made it to the All-Star team. Despite his big role, Dyrendahl had to answer the call of home. The Swedish native will play for Nordic Storm next season. #79 Juan Flores-Calderon In a rather disappointing Milano Seamen team, Flores-Calderon was a real bright spot. The 21-year-old wide receiver collected 732 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. The 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year will also be seen in the ELF next season. But then with the Madrid Bravos. ©Sergio Bisi. #78 Ken Hike Jr. The free safety joined the Vienna Vikings late after spending some time in Switzerland, but still had a direct impact. Especially in terms of turnovers. In five games, he made two interceptions, forced a fumble and recovered three more. He also had eleven pass deflections. Next season, Hike Jr. will prove this talent with the Prague Lions. ©Alexandre Bertrand. #77 Krzystof Wis The middle linebacker is one of the cornerstones of the Wroclaw Panthers' defense. Together with superstar A.J. Wentland, Wis makes life difficult for opposing running backs. The 37-year-old veteran recorded 78 tackles, including ten for loss and 6.5 sacks last season.  #76 Jakub Smutný Defensive tackle Jakub Smutný also likes to bring running backs to the ground. The 28-year-old Czech had his breakthrough last season and more than doubled his number of tackles. The Prague Lions rewarded this with a contract extension. ©Jakub Platenik #75 Nicolas Khandar After a rookie season with only four games as a backup, the running back celebrated his breakthrough last season. The 31-year-old recorded 686 rushing yards and four touchdowns. After two years with Stuttgart Surge, the Frenchman returns to his home country and joins the Paris Musketeers. 74 Flamur Simon What a year for Flamur Simon. The linebacker established himself at Rhein Fire, became a starter, put in outstanding performances and played a big part in Rhein Fire celebrating their second ELF Championship title in a row. So it's no wonder that the German extended his contract this offseason. ©Lina Bollig #73 Raul Cernuda Pastor Raul Cernuda Pastor showed potential with the Barcelona Dragons in 2023 and performed well with the Madrid Bravos in 2024. The homegrown tight end established himself as a starter and contributed five touchdowns. The 28-years-old even made it to our Homegrown Team of the Year. 72 Luke Glenna The US import was an important cornerstone of a strong Madrid Bravos defense. As a result, the safety was selected to the All-Star team — just like the year before for the Barcelona Dragons. Now the 25-year-old is ready for a new adventure and joins Nordic Storm. ©Maxime Le Pihif #71 Nicolai Schumann The Berlin Thunder homegrown is one of the best tight ends in the league. The 33-year-old veteran has already been voted onto the ELF All-Star Team twice. Don't miss a single ELF Game — get your Game Pass!

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

With our new article series, we introduce all 16 teams of the European League of Football for the 2025 season. Today, we take a closer look at Rhein Fire, the reigning back-to-back champions, as they prepare to defend their title and aim for an unprecedented third consecutive championship.​ A new leader under center Rhein Fire has seen significant changes in their roster this offseason, particularly at the quarterback position. With the departure of Jadrian Clark, the team has brought in a new American quarterback to lead the offense. Former Munich Ravens quarterback Chad Jeffries will take over the quarterback duties for the reiging champions in 2025. Over the past two seasons, the experienced veteran ranked amongst the top quarterbacks in the ELF. But will he be ready to fill the shoes of ELF passing leader and former MVP Jadrian Clark? Adding to the wide receiver room, Rhein Fire signed former 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 quarterback Chad Jeffries. Homegrown Talent - Harlan Kwofie commits long-term In a historic move, wide receiver Harlan Kwofie has signed a five-year contract extension with Rhein Fire over the offseason, marking the longest player commitment in ELF history. The 25-year-old German has been a pivotal part of the team's success since joining in 2022. Despite injuries in the previous season, Kwofie's contributions, including multiple playoff touchdowns, have solidified his role as a key offensive weapon. Kwofie ranks amongst the top homegrown wide receivers in the ELF and will showcase his abilities once again in the upcoming season.  Alongside Kwofie, Rhein Fire was able to resign former Massachusetts defensive tackle Hugo Klages for the upcoming season. Klages were pivotal for the team’s success in the regular and post season back in 2024. Now, they are primed to lead Rhein Fire to their third straight championship run over the past three seasons.  European imports - Former Vikings WR Jordan Bouah joins champions  To compensate for the loss of key players like MVP Glen Toonga and wide receivers Anthony Mahoungou and Nathaniel Robitaille, Rhein Fire has strategically added European talent to their lineup. A notable signing to highlight is Italian wide receiver Jordan Bouah. Bouah was a standout wide receiver for the Vienna Vikings over the past three seasons. Now, the twitchy wide receiver and deep threat is joining Rhein Fire on their mission to “three-peat”! Coaching continuity with former 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula Head Coach Jim Tomsula, renowned for his NFL experience, including a tenure with the San Francisco 49ers, continues to lead Rhein Fire. Under his guidance, the team has achieved remarkable success, securing two consecutive ELF championships. Tomsula's emphasis on resilience and adaptability has been instrumental in shaping Rhein Fire's competitive edge.  However, the Fire lost their offensive coordinator Andrew Weidinger who took over head coaching duties for the Madrid Bravos in Spain. Will the Fire be ready to compensate his loss offensively?  Can Rhein Fire achieve the three-peat? As Rhein Fire embarks on the 2025 season, the challenge of defending their title looms large. With a roster featuring both seasoned veterans and promising new talent, the team is poised to make a strong bid for a third consecutive championship. However, the evolving dynamics of the league and strengthened competition mean that Rhein Fire must remain vigilant and cohesive to maintain their dominance in the ELF, despite departues from key players and coaches.  © European League of Football / Rhein Fire

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

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

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!

Rhein Fire has completed its American player roster with the signing of wide receiver Rory Starkey. He joins quarterback Chad Jeffries and defensive backs Omari Williams and Darius Nash as the fourth American on the team. Starkey will add even more talent to an already strong wide receiver group.   College and pro experience   Starkey played college football at the University of Pennsylvania, where he recorded 119 catches for 1,549 yards and 14 touchdowns over three seasons. He later continued his college career at Samford University. After his time in college, he had opportunities with the Green Bay Packers and the Houston Roughnecks.   With Starkey on board, Rhein Fire aims to continue its dominance and fight for a third consecutive championship in the 2025 season. Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game!

The ELF had four players take part in last week's NFL IPP pro day at the University of South Florida. The Frankfurt Galaxy’s punter Bastian Roppelt, the Stuttgart Surge’s kicker Lenny Krieg, as well as offensive lineman Leander Wiegand, and former DPOY Maceo Beard were all part this year's NFL IPP class which showed off its skills in front of NFL dozens of scouts. The future Atlanta Falcon Lenny Krieg steals the show The Stuttgart Surge’s kicker Lenny Krieg stole the show at the NFL Combine in February and once again showed scouts his powerful leg during the pro day last week.  As you might know, Krieg signed with the Atlanta Falcons shortly after the pro day as several teams had lined up visits for the German kicker following another impressive kicking performance.  NFL IPP scout Mark Dulgerian spoke on Krieg’s pro day performance:  “He continued his momentum from the Combine, showing impressive lift and power in his kicks. Our kicking coach, Tadhg Leader, did a fantastic job preparing him for what NFL evaluators would be focused on in these workouts. “ Leander Wiegand shows off elite strength Moving on to the big boys, the former Rhein Fire and Munich Ravens offensive lineman Leander Wiegand had scouts buzzing after an impressive show on the bench press with 38 reps of 225 lbs. This would’ve been the most of any offensive lineman at the 2025 NFL Combine by a astounding 5 reps. He also had an 8’10 broad jump and a 32-inch vertical jump. That vertical would’ve put him in the top 6 at the combine for offensive lineman.  “Not surprised by his test results.  He set an ambitious goal for his bench press mark and he achieved that, posting one of the best marks of the entire draft class.  He also moved well in drills at his size.” - Mark Dulgerian Maceo Beard continues to turn heads Former DPOY Maceo Beard also turned heads at the pro-day. The Frenchman last played for the Paris Musketeers in 2024. During the pro-day Beard showed off great movement skills and precise technique. “He really worked on his physique during his time at IMG and he showed up in great shape at his pro day. He looked very comfortable in field drills and caught the ball well.” - Mark Dulgerian The ELF has already produce several NFL players including pro bowler Kavontae Turpin. Through the NFL IPP program the ELF has already helped prepare Colts defensive back Marcel Dabo and Baltimore Ravens defensive end Adedayo Odeleye. Get Your Tickets to the 2025 ELF Championship Game

Rhein Fire has made an important addition to their coaching staff by signing Paul Dunn as their new offensive line coach. Dunn, an experienced football coach with decades of experience at the college, NFL, and CFL levels, is returning to the European League of Football after previously working with the Munich Ravens in 2023.   A coach with a strong background   Paul Dunn, played as an offensive guard at the University of Pittsburgh before starting his coaching career in 1983. Over the years, he has coached at several top college programs, including Penn State, Rutgers, Cincinnati, Kansas State, and Kentucky. His ability to develop offensive linemen made him a respected name in the coaching world.   Dunn also has experience in the NFL, where he worked with the Atlanta Falcons from 2008 to 2013, first as an assistant offensive line coach and later as the main offensive line coach. In 2014, he served as the offensive line coach for the Houston Texans. Additionally, he coached in the Canadian Football League with the Montreal Alouettes from 2018 to 2019.   A big move for Rhein Fire   By bringing in a coach with such a rich background, Rhein Fire is strengthening its offensive line for the upcoming ELF season. With his experience at the highest levels of football, Dunn is expected to bring valuable knowledge and leadership to the team. His return to the ELF shows his commitment to growing American football in Europe. Fans of Rhein Fire can look forward to a well-coached and disciplined offensive line under his guidance. Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game!