By Michael Voitek
The Berlin Thunder, under new/old head coach Jag Bal, are still in a state of flux it seems with the 2025 European League of Football season fast approaching.
They only have 1 A import listed on their roster as of now. So it would seem that many changes are still coming but I’ll go over what we have so far.
The Berlin Thunder finished 5-7 in 2024 and missed the playoffs. One of the original European football teams has reloaded and look to make a charge in 2025.
Let’s take a look at their roster.
Offense
Quarterback
Jakeb Sullivan will be back at the helm for this Thunder team after a fairly productive 2024 in which he led the league in passing yards. Sullivan is a veteran in this league and he will continue to provide great leadership at the QB position.
Running Back
Emil Fuchs
The Berlin Thunder were bottom 4 in the league last year in rushing and it may not be getting better this year. The only running back they have on their roster is Emil Fuchs who had an OK season last year in limited minutes with the Centurions. We’ll see if this offensive line can open up some holes for an offense that will need it.
Wide Receiver
Bais Kouanda Photo: © Eric Mühle
Bais Kouanda was Berlin’s leading receiver and he will be back this year. I’m sure the Thunder will add an A-import at receiver because with the lack of a running game they will need it.
Offensive Line
The Thunder have used two E-imports on their line bringing in Connor Bolton and Jose Ariza. The Brit Connor Bolton was a part of the NFL international combine and should be a great addition to this line.
Defense
Defensive line
The Berlin Thunder surrendered the 4th most rushing yards but had the second most sacks, thanks in large part to the monster and now departed Kyle Kitchens. Sadly for this Thunder team, the loss of Kitchens, the all time sack leader in ELF history, is a tough one and they will have to make up for a lot of production. We’ll have to see where they turn in free agency to replace him.
Linebacker
At LB, Ludvig Myren was a force all year last year. The veteran Swedish linebacker has joined the Nordic Storm. As a result, a lot still has to be figured out in the linebacking corps.
Defensive back
Felix Proulx facing his first ELF season with Berlin Thunder Photo: ©Paris Musketeers.
On defense the Thunder made a major signing in Felix Proulx. Proulx was with the Musketeers last year and should help boost this defensive backfield. They also bring back 2-time ELF all star Moritz Thiele at cornerback which should make for a strength on this team
Wrapping up
Offseason Grade: Unknown
Many signings still need to be made for this team, so it’s a bit too early to say which direction the Thunder are heading.