The Wroclaw Panthers of the European League of Football have added German defensive back Lars Steffen.
The Panthers continue to add talent to their playoff roster in hopes of making another postseason run next season. Wroclaw’s head coach Jakub Samel is excited to have the experienced defender on his side next season:
“We are always looking for smart, physical players that can change the game on any play. Lars fits that type. He played at a high level in Europe and he’s a tireless worker on and off the field. We’re looking forward to working with him here in Wrocław.”
The 6’1″, 210-pound defender brings championship experience to Wroclaw having won two German Bowls with the Braunschweig New Yorker Lions. As a member of the Lions from 2016-2019, Steffen recorded 265 tackles and 16 interceptions. During his most recent season in the German Football League, Steffen recorded 53 total tackles, and two interceptions helping the Lions win the 2019 German Bowl.
This past season Steffen took his talents up north to Finland, winning yet another championship, this time as a member of the Kuopio Steelers. As a member of the league’s top defense, Steffen recorded 24.5 tackles and a clutch interception in the championship Maple Bowl.
Steffen will have some familiarity in Wroclaw as he’ll be playing for his former defensive coordinator in Braunschweig Dave Likins. Likins has now joined the Panthers staff in the same role. For Steffens playing for Likins in a winning environment made the decision an easy one:
“I chose the Wroclaw Panthers because they seemed the most professional organization from all teams I spoke to during the phase negotiations. I know some players that played for them in this season and I know who else would be joining. On top the signing of defensive coordinator Dave Likins for whom I played for with the Lions from ’16-19′ made it clear for me. I don’t want to be part of an organization whose goal isn’t winning the championship, and I’m happy to have found a team that is all about winning.”
The Panthers have also added former Kuopio Steelers pass rusher Semmie Radji, along with bringing back defensive backs Darius Robinson, Goran Zec, linebacker William Lloyd, and defensive lineman Karlis Brauns, in what projects to be a tough defense to score against again in 2022.
