The Leipzig Kings of the European League of Football have lured a legend of German football out of retirement signing David McCants as their running back for the 2022 season.
Kings head coach Fred Armstrong commented on signing the proven veteran:
“David [McCants] has proven himself as one of the top players in Europe at the RB position. He stays in great shape and has a chip on his shoulder to still showcase his talents in the best league in Europe. I’m all in with David McCants”.
McCants played 10 seasons in Germany from 2009-2019 rushing for over 11,000 yards, 150 touchdowns, and winning six German Bowl titles in the process. His numbers put him among the best ball carriers the German Football League has ever seen, sitting atop the all-time rushing yards and touchdown categories. The Kings are hoping the 34-year old still has some gas left in the tank after two years away from the playing field. McCants served as running back coach for Leipzig last season and will fill that role again along with playing this season. McCants on his decision to come out of retirement:
“Just being out there with the players and coaches at practices, game days, hanging out together when we had time. I felt like I was not ready to be a full-time coach”. He added: “I still have that fire to play again. I have always been a coach and know that I will become a full-time coach in the near future. But as of now, while I have that chance, I wanted to find a way to get back on the field and try to win a championship”
McCants, who grew up in Northport, Alabama and played his college football at the University of North Alabama, arrived in Germany in 2009 playing for the Berlin Adler and immediately had an impact, helping the Adler win the GFL crown while being named German Bowl MVP. He went on to win six German Football League titles as well as four Eurobowl championships before hanging up the cleats following the 2019 season. After starting his career with the Adler in 2009, he played for the Berlin Rebels (2010), Hamburg Blue Devils (2011) and Dusseldorf Panther (2012) before arriving in Braunschweig to play for the New Yorker Lions in 2013 where he enjoyed his greatest successes. With McCants anchoring the backfield, the Lions captured five German titles (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019) while reaching the final in 2017 as well.
Watch McCant’s highlights here
