The Berlin Adler of German Football League 1 (GFL1) has signed former Bethany College (NCAA, DII) and GFL All-Star Linebacker Donovan Hayden for the 2023 season.
Hayden most recently suited up for the Straubing Spiders (GFL1) where in nine games he recorded 105 tackles (second in the league), 29 TFL and two sacks earning him GFL All-Star honors.
Prior to that, Hayden had a short stint with the Toluca Osos in Mexico’s LFA during the 2020 pandemic season and two years (2018, 2019) with the Kuopio Steelers in Finland’s Maple League.
During his two seasons with the Steelers, the 5 ‘10″, 200-pound Hayden amassed 220 tackles, 35.5 TFL, 12 sacks and three interceptions. Hayden’s unbelievable tackle count led the league both years and even broke the Most Tackles in a Single Season record in 2019 with 118.5.
Hayden’s dominance as a tackler was fostered during his collegiate career while at Bethany College. Between 2014-16 Hayden totalled 360 tackles and 52.5 tackles for a loss. As the All-Time Leading Tackler for Bethany, Hayden won two Defensive Player of the Year awards, was a Cliff Harris Award finalist and an AFCA All-American.
