Austria: SonicWall Mödling Rangers sign North Alabama LB EJ Parnell

The SonicWall Mödling Rangers who play in the Austrian Football League have added linebacker/defensive end EJ Parnell (North Alabama, NCAA Div. II) for the 2019 season.

The 6’3″, 295 lb, 26 year old Parnell spent the 2018 season with the Munich Cowboys of the German Football League where he recorded 40 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 4 sacks and a blocked field goal in helping Munich reach the playoffs for the first time in four years.

In his senor season at North Alabama, Parnell, a Los Angeles native, was the fourth leading tackler on the team, helping the Lions to a top six ranking in the American Football Coaches Association poll. 

American Football International asked EJ about signing with Mödling.

AFI: Why did you sign with the Rangers?

Parnell: I choose to sign with the Rangers because they gave me another opportunity to come play at a high level.

AFI: How much did you know about football in Europe before signing with Munich last season?

Parnell: I have known about football in Europe since JUCO which is Junior College ball, although it wasn’t my first option it was still a possibility if the NFL/CFL didn’t work.

AFI: How much of Europe have you been able to experience so far?

Parnell:  I have only seen a small portion of Europe so far from Germany now to Austria but I do hope to travel more when free time presents itself.

AFI: What do you think you bring to the Rangers?

Parnell: If anyone is familiar with the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, I believe thats the type of play and style that will be brought to the Rangers defense. Havoc Disruption Chaos pure dog mentality football to the front seven to help my secondary, LB’s and other fellow DL to dominate and have one of the best Defensive Units in the AFL.

“I am thankful for the Rangers organization for giving me the chance to continue to live out my dream, I look forward to this season and cannot wait to get started.”