ELF: NFL IPP combine invite DB Chad Waldron signs with Istanbul Rams

| American Football | 01/20/2022

The Istanbul Rams of the European League of Football continue to bring in new talent in preparation for their inaugural season in the ELF. This week the Rams announced the addition of British defensive back Chad Walrond, the newest Ram commented on why he chose Istanbul:

“First of all, I want to say thank you to the highest for all the blessings and good fortune that he’s given me. I chose Istanbul because of many reasons. First of all, I get to play on the biggest stage in Europe which means I get another chance to prove myself. Secondly, they also have a very knowledgeable DB coach in Andre who will help me develop my game in a big way which is very important to me.”

Walrond, 22, was one of 44 invited athletes to the London NFL International Player Pathway Combine. Showing great potential, Walrond impressed scouts with his fluid hips and straight-line speed. Ultimately, however, Walrond was not selected for this year’s NFL International Player Pathway Program.

Walrond explains why he chose the Rams as his next career move:

“This may be their first season in the ELF but the Rams are a very respectable organization with good history and professionalism so it wasn’t hard to decide”

The 5’11”, 195-pound defensive back is coming off of a season in the German Football League where he made 24 tackles and had six pass breakups while playing safety and kick returner for the Allgäu Comets. 

Before taking his talents to Bavaria, Walrond first played football for the Hertfordshire University Hurricanes. He then went on to play for the London Blitz where he became team defensive MVP in 2018. Walrond has only been playing football for approximately four years. Prior to strapping on the pads, the London native played rugby and ran track.

The talented Brit joins defensive imports Jamarrii Milliken (Furman NCAA D1), Zachary Blair (UVA-Wise NCAA D2), and Noah Allsten (Sweden) in what projects to be an athletic Istanbul defense. Defensive coordinator Philip Gremaud will look to have the import heavy Rams secondary ready to compete against the best playmakers in the ELF. Walrond on his

Read more about Chad Walrond’s season in Germany here

Get to know Chad Walrond here:

Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and