By Michael Voitek
The Rhein Fire will try to repeat their title run from the 2024 European League of Football season. Although many key players like Jadrian Clark and Glen Toonga have left, the Rhein Fire have filled those spots with quality replacements and will once again still be tough to beat in 2025.
But let’s break down the roster to get a full picture.
Offense
Quarterback
Chad Jeffries taking over the helm after Jadrian Clark led the team to two straight titles. Me and Chad go way back with a beef in which he made me eat my words. I do believe he’s a good replacement but will he be better than Jadrian I am not sure just yet.
Running Back
Rhein Fire RB Sergej Kendus (centre) runs with the ball Photo: Rhein Fire/Justin Alexander Derondeau
With Toonga gone this position will be lacking severely. Patrick Poetsch the loyal fullback is still there but Sergej Kendus will have to step up in a big way in Toonga’s absence. He played well when Toonga was out for a suspension so we’ll see if he can pick up where he left off.
Wide Receiver
Photo: Henning Rohlfs
Harlan Kwofie is back and will be a big target for Jeffries, but Jordan Bouah should take over as the number 1 receiver for the reigning champs with Kelvin McKnight no longer in the ELF. Bouah is an ELF veteran who only played 4 games last year due to injury but he will have to step up this year for the new look Fire.
Italian WR Jordan Bouah has moved to the Fire from Vienna. Photo: Hannes Jirgal
Offensive Line
Offensive Line has always been. Strength for these Fire teams and it will most likely be again this year. Arnoud “The Vanilla Gorilla” Holierhoek, Sven Briedenbach, and Nick Weins will anchor this line and give Jeffries plenty of time to throw.
Defense
Defensive line
Hugo Klages is back on a defensive line that was mid-tier for rushing defenses in the ELF in 2024 and with a lot of the weapons missing on offense this could become a problem area for this Rhein Fire team.
Linebacker
Photo: Rhein Fire/Justin Alexander Derondeau
Aaron Donkor, the third leading sacker in the league in 2024, will not be back for the Fire, but they will still have studs Flamer Simon and Marius Kensy back. Kensy was 11th in tackles last year and should have many more this year. Destiny Idiahi is a name to watch out for at OLB. The Nigerian product is young and is looking to make a statement in 2025.
Defensive back
© uzis.studio
The number two passing defense in 2024 is looking stacked once again in 2025. Omari Williams and Tony Anderson are back, and the reigning champs have also re-signed American import Darrius Nash. Nash’s presence gives opposing offenses pause. He managed just four games before getting injured but will hopefully have a chance to really prove his pedigree. He was a four year starter at Utah Tech and was drafted to the XFL. He didn’t play a whole lot in his lone season in the XFL, but he brings a lot of experience to this defensive backfield.
Wrapping up
Offseason Grade: B
I worry about their offensive production with key pieces missing. I see their offensive line still looking good but with a lack of a running game their whole offense may struggle.