The Berlin Rebels of the German Football League have brought in Panama-born offensive tackle Tomás Middleton Murillo for the upcoming 2023 season.
Hailing from the Central American country of Panama, the 26-year-old offensive lineman has made a name for himself so far in his short professional career.
Like many other players in his circumstances, Murillo did not start playing football until he was much older, in his case 20. He has definitely had an impact in such a short space of time.
Most recently in 2022, Murillo played for the CDMX Reds in Mexico’s FAM league and in doing so was the first Panamanian to be signed by a Mexican team. During his time with the Reds, he would be a key member of an offensive line that helped pave the way for 1,200 total team rushing yards. The Reds also went to win the FAM league championship in Mexico.
In the offseason, Murillo was also the first and only player from Panama to be invited to the XFL showcase in Arizona. There he was able to showcase his abilities as a two-way player as Murillo has experience playing defensive line as well.
Before Murillo played in Mexico, he spent the early part of his career playing for teams in his home country of Panama. In 2016, at the age of 20, he played in the Panamanian Football League with the Devils PTY. He would play there until 2018 before joining the Panama Saints of the PMFL where he stayed until leaving for Mexico in 2022.
With the addition of Murillo, Berlin looks to add more to their top tier offense. In 2022, Berlin was third in total offense and was tied for fourth in touchdowns scored. After finishing fifth in total rushing offense last season, Murillo could be a piece that helps their offense explode and could make the Rebels true contenders for the 2023 German Bowl.