ELF: Raiders Tirol bolster defense with Belgian DE Miche Vandekerkhof

The Raiders Tirol have strengthened their defensive line less than a month before the European League of Football season kicks off, signing 25-year-old Belgian Miche Vandekerkhof. The Austrian franchise adds the experienced lineman after his productive stint in the German Football League (GFL).

Proven production in German Football League
Vandekerkhof joins from the New Yorker Lions, where he recorded 26 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery in 12 games during the 2024 GFL season. Prior to Braunschweig, he helped the Potsdam Royals claim the 2023 German title, showcasing his ability to impact championship-caliber teams.

From Brussels to Germany via academia
The 6-5, 275 pound lineman began his career with the Brussels Tigers before balancing football with a sports management and business administration degree. Despite academic commitments limiting his 2023 GFL availability, he impressed with the Allgäu Comets in 2022 (nine games) and starred for the Brussels Black Angels in the Belgium/Netherlands League (BNL), nearly winning a 2022 title against the Amsterdam Crusaders.

Choosing Tyrol for 2025 campaign
After deliberation, the Belgian prioritized the ELF over another GFL season, opting to anchor the Raiders’ defensive front. His blend of size, championship experience, and academic discipline adds a multifaceted weapon to Tyrol’s title aspirations.