ELF: Cologne Centurions sign former NFL RB Chris Ezeala

The Cologne Centurions of the European League of Football have announced the signing of former NFL fullback Chris Ezeala for the inaugural 2021 season.

The German running back had initially signed with the Ingolstadt Praetorians before the club pulled out of the ELF.

The 5’11”, 248 pound Ezeala spent two years on the Baltimore Ravens practice squad as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. Initially assigned to the team in 2018, Ezeala was brought back for the 2019 season but did not receive a third contract. In eight NFL preseason games, he saw action on 100 snaps as a lead blocker and special teamer, recording one tackle.

Born in Munich, Ezeala began playing football as a 13-year old for the Munchen Rangers before breaking into the GFL ranks with the Allgau Comets in 2015. In three GFL seasons, two with the Comets and one with the Ingolstadt Dukes, Ezeala played primarily linebacker, racking up 205 tackles, 50 tackles for loss and 16 sacks.

Ezeala’s potential as a running back wasn’t realized until his final GFL season in 2017, when he carried the ball for the Dukes 17 times for 206 yards and a touchdown, producing an eye-popping 12.1 yards per carry. His accomplishments caught the eye of current Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach Aden Durde and Ezeala was converted to an NFL fullback under the tutelage of two-time Pro Bowler Earnest Byner.

Cologne Centurions head coach Kirk Heidelberg:

“It’s a great signing for us, especially for me as the OC/OL coach. I know he will be able to pound it inside the tackles , and he will surprise you getting outside. Being with the Baltimore Ravens and knowing what’s like to play and practice as a professional will help our team immensely. Love his attitude.”