The European League of Football kicked off its second season in style this past weekend. From close games, nail-biting upsets, highlight plays, and amazing football atmospheres all contributed to a successful week one for the ELF.
A few players took advantage of the hype of kickoff weekend by putting on a show with thousands of fans watching around the world. Let’s take a look at the top five standouts of week one.
Honorable Mention
Tyrese Johnson-Fisher: RB Istanbul Rams
The former rugby star flashed some of the speed and physicality that made his highlights rack up millions of views back in 2018. Now, years later, the bruising Brit showed a good ability to find the hole, accelerate, and slip out of tackles. Johnson-Fisher was able to run low and pick up 82 yards and two scores on the ground against a stout Cologne defense.
„Everybody left their heart on the line.“ 82 yards and 2 rushing TDs for @IstanbulRams RB @tyresejf9 🐏#ISTatCCE pic.twitter.com/QLZsLHhyoU
— European League of Football (@ELF_Official) June 4, 2022
5) Flamur Simon LB Cologne Centurions
The young German defender showed up in a big way in week one helping his team eke out a 40-38 week one win. The NFL international combine invitee made seven tackles, half a sack, forced a fumble, made two pass break ups, and two interceptions, including a beautiful pick six. Simon could be a name to remember for the NFL IPP or CFL Global Draft next spring, as the young talent was clearly one of the best players on the field this week.
AND ANOTHER PICK 6 FOR THE @CenturionsCGN ‼️ Back to back Pick 6, this time from Flamur Simon.#ISTatCCE pic.twitter.com/RDrB6vW3EF
— European League of Football (@ELF_Official) June 4, 2022
4) Kasim Edebali DE Hamburg Sea Devils
From a promising young defender to a savvy veteran, Edebali made his return to the ELF known early and often. Hamburg dominated the Berlin Thunder this past weekend as Edebali was part of a swarming defense. The six-year NFL veteran out of Boston College showed his elite quickness beating his offensive lineman with speed and power at will. The play of the game came as Edebali blasted Berlin’s quarterback forcing the ball loose, leading to a defensive touchdown. The German pass rusher nicknamed “Vollmaschine (Full Machine)” finished the day with six tackles, one sack, two and half tackles for a loss, and two forced fumbles.
Kasim "Vollmaschine" Edebali with a monster sack @JustinAaronUH91 pic.twitter.com/xDnIoST0S4
— Alex Malchow (@MalchowAlex) June 6, 2022
3) Florian Bierbaumer WR/TE Vienna Vikings
At 6’6″, 240 pounds, Bierbaumer is a big boy. Coach Calaycay used his new weapon well in the red zone as the young Austrian caught three touchdowns, helping Vienna pull off a road victory in the rain against their arch-rivals, the Raiders Tirol. Bierbaumer mentioned in the off-season he’d like to pursue the NFL IPP program. He is certainly giving Vienna Vikings fans Bernard Seikovits (now with the Arizona Cardinals) type of plays.
Vienna TE/WR Florian Bierbaumer using his size well (6'6 240). The young Austrian scored three TDS on the day pic.twitter.com/myQHcQn2Ra
— Alex Malchow (@MalchowAlex) June 6, 2022
2) Quinton Pounds WR Cologne Centurions
The former University of Washington pass catcher is back for his second season in Cologne. Pounds and German quarterback Jan Weinreich carried over their chemistry from last year as the two connected eight times for 110 yards and three scores. Pounds used his speed, jumping ability, and solid hands to help Cologne start 1-0.
WHAT. A. TD. @CenturionsCGN is back in the lead after this catch by @qdaddy21 😱#ISTatCCE pic.twitter.com/3W11JCS14u
— European League of Football (@ELF_Official) June 4, 2022
1) William Lloyd Linebacker Wroclaw Panthers
Lloyd played well throughout the game, making nine tackles, one and half tackles for a loss, and one forced fumble through most of the game. However, he saved his play best for last. With only 17 seconds left in a tie ball game, Lloyd ripped the ball loose allowing safety Lars Steffen to score a walk-off defensive touchdown earning Wroclaw a dramatic comeback victory in week one.
Defensive walk-off touchdown for the @pantherswroclaw – Clutch forced fumble from linebacker William Lloyd #ELF @AFIReview @JustinAaronUH91 pic.twitter.com/C66r1xIP8J
— Alex Malchow (@MalchowAlex) June 6, 2022