Vienna Vikings

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!

Season five of the European League of Football is finally here! The first week already showed a lot of highlights. Here is a recap of the late slate of Sunday in Week 1. Vienna Vikings @ Prague Lions Score: 28 - 6 The Vienna Vikings handled business on their trip to Prague in Week 1. The Austrian franchisde profited from a calm, coo, and collected quarterback in Ben Holmes and offseason addition Yannick Mayr who led his team in receptions and receiving yards against the Lions. The Prague Lions were just outmatched in this game. With former rookie sensation Adam Zouzelka at running back, the Czech franchise had a few sparks here and there. But it was not enough to challenge the 2024 European League of Football runner-up in Week 1. While the Vikings look to improve their record to 2-0 against the Fehervar Enthroners next week, the Prague Lions have to rebuild for a tough matchup against the Hamburg Sea Devils, who also started the season 0-1 against the Madrid Bravos on Saturday. Watch the highlights by clicking right here! Frankfurt Galaxy @ Stuttgart Surge Score: 20 - 33 The Frankfurt Galaxy had a lot of promising offseason additions since the 2024 season. But against the Surge, the German franchise was just overpowered. The Surge dominated the 2021 European League of Football champion with quarterback Reilley Hennessey and Irish running back Tomiwa Oyewo. The offseason addition at running back proved to be a home run. Oyewo managed to run the ball for over 100 yards in over 20 carries. Look out for the Surge to be a dangerous team who is able to push for a deep playoff run once again. The Surge will look to go 2-0 against the Paris Musketeers on the road, while the Frankfurt Galaxy have to be on their toes to not start the season 0-2 after a road matchup against the 1-0 Madrid Bravos next Sunday.  Watch the highlights by clicking right here! © Svenja Sabatini   

After a amazing start to the 2025 season yesterday let's take a look at the the storylines for Week 1 Sunday: Nordic Storm at Helvetic Mercenaries - 13:00 CET New team.. same stars? Former MVP quarterback Jadrian Clark and running back Glen Toonga will make their highly anticipated debuts for the expansion Nordic Storm this Sunday. Fans already have high expectations for the Storm without even seeming them play yet. On the other side NFL veteran receiver Keelan Cole will make his own ELF debut for a promising Swiss squad.  Cologne Centurions at Berlin Thunder - 13:00 CET Can the new look Thunder make some noise in 2025? The Thunder go into season five with new uniforms and new head coach Jag Bal at the Helm. Veteran quarterback Jakeb Sullivan is joined by his former teammate Gennadiy Adams and 2024 All star William Lydle. The Capital city squad is eager to prove the doubters wrong and shake things up in the North division.    Raiders Tirol at Munich Raven - 13:00 CET The ELF's best new rivalry?Today's match up between these two teams marks the latest chapter in whats been a epic rivalry between Munich and Tirol. Only a few hours apart these two squads know each other well. Last year the Ravens ended the Raiders playoff hopes defeating them in the final week of the regular season, starting a long off-season in Tirol. Expect this to be a fiesty game between two squads that don't like each other.  Vienna Vikings at Prague Lions - 16:25 CET Running it back in Vienna The Vikings nearly pulled off a perfect season in 2024 before loosing the championship game to the Rhein Fire. This year they return the core of their squad and have added some intriguing new pieces. For Prague new head coach Dave Warner has brought in a influx of talent as the Czech team looks to be much improved from last season.   Frankfurt Galaxy at Stuttgart Surge - 16:25 CET Are the Surge a team of destiny? The Stuttgart Surge enter the season with a remarkable opportunity in front of them, to secure a home game in the ELF championship in September. They return much of the 2024 squad and have also added new stars to a strong Nucleus. Frankfurt hopes to enter a new era of Galaxy football with head coach Bart Andrus at the helm.  Watch all the games today on DAZN! Watch all the highlights from yesterday's action!

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

One of the more interesting divisions in the ELF this upcoming season is the East Division, consisting of the Vienna Vikings, Ferhévár Enthroners, Prague Lions and Wroclaw Panthers. Let’s take a look at some of the top storylines from these four franchises. Can the Vikings run it back? The Vikings fell just short of the title game last September. Now they bring back several of their key contributors and have added new talent across the board. Head coach Chris Calaycay seems to have his squad dialed in for another run at the title. Look for the Vikings to have a lot of team chemistry as most of the 2024 team is back in purple.  Prague Lions roaring rebuild New head coach Dave Warner seems to have done a great job in the Czech Capital. The Lions have added several ELF veterans including Willie Patterson, Ja’Len Embry, and Jasper Friis. Prague has a long way to go to become a playoff team given their 2024 performance, however, the squad seems to be one of the most quickly rising teams in the ELF.    Star power in Poland The Wroclaw Panthers have stars such as Devan Burrell, Darrell Stewart Jr, and of course linebacker AJ Wentland back. The team has also added several key E imports and young homegrown talent. At quarterback, they hope that former Akron passer DJ Irons can be the answer behind center after using several quarterbacks last season.    Enthroners eager to win Long time NFL assistant coach Mark Ridgley became head coach of the Hungarian squad this off-season. The team also signed ex-Louisville quarterback Brock Dooman to be their leader behind center. They have also signed former D1 imports Rashad Still (WR) and Michael Badejo (DL) along with several promising homegrowns. Ridgley hopes to take the Enthroners squad to new heights after three consecutive loosing seasons.  Get Your ELF Game Pass on DAZN  

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 the Vienna Vikings: Active Players Offense Quarterback #3 Ben Holmes (Quarterback) #15 Michael Szabo (Quarterback) Running Back #4 Johannes Schütz (Running Back) #24 Karri Pajarinen (Running Back) #20 Benjamin Liedlbauer (Running Back) Tight End #47 Daniel Schönet (Tight End) #89 Florian Bierbaumer (Tight End) Wide Receiver #17 Reece Horn (Wide Receiver) #14 Yannick Mayr (Wide Receiver) #81 Andrea Serra (Wide Receiver) #84 Emil Eckerstorfer (Wide Receiver) #13 Raphael Komeyli-Birjandi (Wide Receiver) #18 Noah Touré (Wide Receiver) #10 Nils Keimel (Wide Receiver) #86 Maurice Wappl (Wide Receiver) Offensive Tackle #71 Lukas Holub (Offensive Tackle) #78 Victor Stoffel (Offensive Tackle) Offensive Guard #77 David Rauter (Offensive Guard) #51 Clemens Walz (Offensive Guard) #72 Tony Koskinen (Offensive Guard) #58 Georg Marx (Offensive Guard) #59 Pascal Danihel (Offensive Guard) #74 Shadrach Arthur (Offensive Guard) Center #53 Florian Markus (Center) Defense Defensive Tackle #95 Florian Sudi (Defensive Tackle) #94 Florian Grünsteidl (Defensive Tackle) #52 Oskar Kranich (Defensive Tackle) #91 Thomas Schaffer (Defensive Tackle) #90 Manuel Radfux (Defensive Tackle) Defensive End #43 Lucky Ogbevoen (Defensive End) #96 Marvin Wappl (Defensive End) #92 Fabian Schmid (Defensive End) Outside Linebacker #7 Leonel Misangumukini (Outside Linebacker) Middle Linebacker #49 Alexander Watholowitsch (Linebacker) #42 Moriz Elmauthaler (Linebacker) #33 Sebastian Ernst (Linebacker) #44 Leon Huber (Linebacker) #40 Timi Nuikka (Inside Linebacker) #0 Noel Swancar (Linebacker) Cornerback #29 Florian Albrecht (Cornerback) #21 Leonhard Gerner (Cornerback) #27 Nikolaus Huszar (Cornerback) #28 Sahnian N'Guessan (Cornerback) #9 Amani Dennis (Cornerback) #35 Elias Allmer (Cornerback) Free Safety #25 Linus Gantar (Free Safety) #30 Pietro Migliori (Free Safety) #16 Viljo Lempinen (Free Safety) Strong Safety #23 Benjamin Straight (Strong Safety) #6 Elmeri Laalo (Strong Safety) #11 Divine Buckrham (Strong Safety) Special Teams Kicker #2 Dennis Tasic (Kicker) #19 Oskar Herz (Kicker) Punter Inactive Players Offense Quarterback #12 Nico Hrouda (Quarterback) Running Back #31 Florian Wegan (Running Back) Defense Defensive End #22 Enzo Mensah (Defensive End) #93 Max Grünsteidl (Defensive End) Special Teams Kicker #37 Philipp Klar (Kicker) Injured or PUP Players Defense Linebacker #5 Jan-Phillip Bombek (Linebacker) Practice Squad   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 Vienna Vikings

The European League of Football welcomes a surprising and exciting new player: former professional soccer striker Stefan Maierhofer is now part of the Vienna Vikings as a kicker. His comeback announcement made headlines across Austria and even internationally.  Maierhofer is known for his long football career, playing for clubs like Rapid Wien, Bayern Munich, Wolverhampton, Red Bull Salzburg, and others. Now, he takes on a new challenge in the ELF. A careful selection and intense training The Vikings decided at the end of 2024 to strengthen their kicking unit with a former soccer professional. Finding the right person was not easy. “It was important that the athlete fits not only on the field but also personally,” said Vikings owner Robin Lumsden.“We met with several well-known footballers. Many wanted to play for us, but it became clear very quickly that Stefan was the right one. He has the talent and lives the Vikings Fighting Mentality – highly professional and competitive.” To help Maierhofer adjust to the new sport, the team brought in former NFL kicker Giorgio Tavecchio as kicking coach. Training was intense and sometimes hard to keep secret. “Stefan is a very tall man, extremely popular, and with a unique body language. But we managed it somehow,” said Head Coach Chris Calaycay, smiling. “Of course, he’s got a great leg. The transition from soccer to American football is tough but going tremendously well. We might see him on the field for kick-offs earlier than scheduled.” Maierhofer is excited about the journey and already feels at home with the Vikings. “From minute one, I knew this was where I wanted to be,” he said. “The team works together, from the owner to the equipment manager. Everything is about success and respect. That impressed me.” He has one big goal: reaching the ELF Championship Game in Stuttgart in front of 50,000 fans. “That’s my clear goal now,” said Maierhofer. “We trained in heavy rain, working on my technique. But that only made my dream stronger – to reach the final with the Vikings in 2025.”Get your tickets for the 2025 Championship Game!

We are only FOUR days away from the start of the 2025 ELF season. Thousands of ELF fans enjoyed last year’s fantasy manager, giving the ELF action on the field even more intrigue. This year we are proud to have an improved Fantasy manager product that should lead to an improved user experience.  That being said, let's take a look at part of my lineup (Alex Malchow) for week 1. Predicting week 1 can sometimes be tough but with many stars coming back from last year there are a few things fans can still count on.  QB Ben Holmes Vienna Vikings Holmes and Vikings are a team on a mission this year. They don’t like how last season ended for them falling short of a perfect season in the title game. The quarterback Ben Holmes was one of the league's best statistical passers last season. Now he goes into week one of 2025 with several new weapons including Yannick Mayr, a healthy Florian Bierbaumer, and several others. Holmes also has Noah Toure, Reece Horn, and Karri Pajarinnen returning in Purple. They face off against a Prague Lions team that they averaged 52 points against last season.  Play ELF Fantasy Manager Here!RB Glen Toonga - Nordic Storm Well if you had Glen Toonga on your fantasy manager last year, you probably did pretty well. 30 rushing touchdowns and an MVP trophy later Toonga may have cemented himself as the league best player of all teams last season. This year he is once again behind a talented offensive line except in a different uniform.  This week he also faces off against a Mercenaires defense that has yet to build a fierce reputation in two seasons of ELF football.  WR Malik Stanley - Munich Ravens From an ELF rookie in Keelan Cole to a proven veteran. Munich Ravens fans were thrilled at the announcement that Stanlet would return to Bavaria. Stanley is a big body receiver who can break tackles, win contested catches, and straight up moss defensive backs. His 31 touchdowns and 2,750 yards in only 32 career games give him one of the league's best resumes.  WR Keelan Cole - Helvetic Mercenaires The former NFL pass catcher will be making his ELF debut against the Nordic Storm. Cole hopes to put up some big numbers for the Mercenaries as they take on the Nordic Storm in their first ever game. Expect quarterback Isaiah Weed to target Cole early and often as they will need to put up a lot of points to keep up with the explosive playmakers on the Nordic Storm.  Play ELF Fantasy Manager Here! Get Your ELF Gamepass on Dazn!  

Just days before the 2025 European League of Football season begins, one of Europe’s top defensive players has returned to familiar ground. Austrian linebacker Lucky Ogbevoen, who played in the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2024, has signed with the Vienna Vikings. The 24-year-old brings both experience and athleticism to the Vikings' defense. Ogbevoen is well known in Vienna, where his football journey began. He played in the club’s youth program, graduated from the Vienna Vikings Academy, and made his debut with the men's team at just 16 years old. Since then, he has developed into one of the most dynamic defenders in Europe. A player with proven talent After starting his ELF career with the Stuttgart Surge in 2021, Ogbevoen played for the Raiders Tirol in 2022 and 2023. His strong performance earned him a chance in North America, where he joined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League. Now, he returns to the ELF – and his hometown – with high expectations. Known for his versatility, he can rush the quarterback, defend the run, or drop back in coverage. Head Coach Chris Calaycay calls him “one of the top 5 dynamic defensive players in Europe.” With the pre-season coming to an end, all eyes now turn to Week 1. The Vienna Vikings will begin their campaign on May 18, traveling to face the Prague Lions. The return of Lucky Ogbevoen is a major boost – not just for the Vikings, but for fans of high-level football across the league.Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

The Vienna Vikings have confirmed the venues for their three summer home games of the 2025 ELF season. Alongside earlier games at Hohe Warte and Generali-Arena, fans can now look forward to more football action in Südstadt, Wiener Neustadt and Wien Döbling. 2025 summer games schedule July 5 – Datenpol Arena, Südstadt: Vikings vs. Prague Lions   August 9 – ERGO Arena, Wiener Neustadt: Vikings vs. Wroclaw Panthers   August 16 – Hohe Warte, Wien: Vikings vs. Paris Musketeers Each game kicks off at 18:00, with the Pre-Game Area opening at 15:00, offering live music, family fun, food, and entertainment. Special ticket deal Fans can purchase a Summer Games Special Pass for just €59, giving access to all three summer home games. The offer is available from May 1 at 9:00 AM until May 5 at 6:00 PM. Vikings' home field dominance The Vikings will play their first home game of the season in Week 2 against the Fehérvár Enthroners. They will look to build on their impressive 20-1 home record in the ELF. Single-game and Summer Pass tickets go on sale May 1 at 9:00 AM. Get your tickets now!

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

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 take a look at the players ranked from #20 to #11. #20 Daniel Bartmann  Although it was a tough season for the Frankfurt Galaxy, defensive lineman Daniel Bartmann still had a great individual year. The German defender stood out with 42 tackles, 5 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 1 forced fumble, which he also recovered. Leander Wiegand delivered strong performances at the IPP Program. ©IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire #19 Leander Wiegand  Leander Wiegand is one of the best offensive linemen in Europe. His great performances earned him an invitation to the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. At the Pro Day, he showed his strength and even outperformed many college stars in the 100kg bench press test. #18 Austin Mitchell  Austin Mitchell had a nearly perfect first season in the ELF. Together with quarterback Zach Edwards, he formed a dangerous duo. One highlight was his game in Week 2 against the Hamburg Sea Devils, where he had 152 receiving yards and scored 4 touchdowns. #17 D’Wayne Obi  British running back D’Wayne Obi impressed in his first ELF season. He helped the Bravos reach the playoffs and finished as the fourth-best running back in rushing yards, with 10 rushing touchdowns. #16 Jonathan Falk In his final ELF season, Jonathan Falk showed once again how good he is. He was named Homegrown of the Year and made the First Team All-Star list. Despite a tough season for the Mercenaries, Falk finished strong and earned the #16 spot. #15 Markell Castle  The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year continued his strong form in 2024. Castle was second in receiving yards and tied for third in catches. Whether in trick plays, big gains, or short screens, Castle was always a key playmaker. Aleksandar Milanovic is no longer part of the Vienna Vikings. ©Hannes Jirgal #14 Aleksandar Milanovic    One of the best European offensive tackles, Aleksandar Milanovic, ended his career after the 2024 season. He helped lead the Vikings to the Championship Game and was awarded "Man of Honor of the Year" for his leadership on and off the field.  #13 Reece Horn  Reece Horn joined the Vikings during the season but quickly became one of the top receivers in the league. He finished third in receiving yards and catches. The Vikings worked hard to keep him for 2025, and with QB Ben Holmes, he’s expected to score many touchdowns. #12 Johannes Zirngibl  Johannes Zirngibl had a strong season with the Munich Ravens. He helped lead a tough defense that created the sixth-most turnovers in the league. His performance was a big reason for the team’s defensive success. #11 Zach Edwards  Although Zach Edwards has decided to take a break from football, his 2024 performance was outstanding. He was named Offensive Player of the Year with the second-most passing yards, third-most passing touchdowns, and was also one of the top rushers in the league. Edwards truly delivered in every way. 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 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 are all about performance on the field — taking into account consistency, impact, and position-specific stats. Today, we present the players ranked from #50 to #41. Wael Nasri will also be going after tackles for the Ravens in the upcoming season. ©Roland Johannes #50 Wael Nasri Wael Nasri is a true veteran of the ELF. He has played in the league since the first season and is known as one of the best tacklers in Europe. In 2024, he helped the Munich Ravens reach the playoffs with strong and consistent performances. #49 Mitchell Fettig Together with Simiram-Wilson, Mitchell Fettig formed one of the most dangerous defensive back duos in the league. Fettig impressed early in the season and finished with 5 interceptions, the second-best in the ELF for 2024. #48 William Patterson Wherever Willie Patterson goes, success follows. After winning a championship with Rhein Fire in 2023, he joined the Madrid Bravos and played another strong season. He is extremely versatile — lining up as a wide receiver, running back, and even quarterback. #47 Yannick Mayr Austrian receiver Yannick Mayr is known for his speed and explosiveness. He created many big plays and was a constant deep threat. That’s why the Vienna Vikings worked hard to bring him back as a key homegrown talent. #46 Lukas Holub Lukas Holub is one of the best offensive linemen in Europe. He was a key part of the protection for quarterback Ben Holmes. With great blocking in both passing and running plays, Holub earned his place in the ELF Top 100. #45 Nathaniel Robitaille Robitaille has been part of the ELF since 2022 and has always been a top performer. In 2024, he had a great season with the Fehérvár Enthroners, finishing with 953 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns. Despite this, the team decided to go in a different direction and signed Rashad Still for the new season. #44 Lukas Haslwanter Even while sharing the workload with Tobias Bonatti, Haslwanter had a breakout year. The Austrian running back ran for 709 yards on 152 carries, showing excellent vision and power. He played a big role in the Raiders’ offense. #43 Florian Sudi Sudi was part of one of the most dominant defensive lines in the league. He made life very difficult for offensive linemen with his pass rush and run-stopping skills. Every time he was on the field, opposing offenses had problems. Lenny Krieg is now in the NFL and a kicker for the Atlanta Falcons. ©Svenja Sabatini #42 Lenny Krieg Lenny Krieg had an incredible season as kicker for the Stuttgart Surge. He was selected to the ELF First All-Star Team and even earned an invitation to the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. The Atlanta Falcons were impressed and signed him to a three-year contract. #41 Bijon Harris Bijon Harris joined the Cologne Centurions mid-season and quickly became one of the top defensive backs in the league. He made multiple turnovers and even scored on returns. As a return specialist, he also made big plays — easily earning his place in the ELF Top 100. More names coming soon as we move closer to the top! Don't miss a single game - Get your Game Pass now!

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 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 #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!

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 - #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!

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!