Germany: Potsdam Royals sign top LB Dustin Illetschko

Germany’s Potsdam Royals have signed Dacia Vienna Vikings and Austrian national team linebacker Dustin Illetschko for the 2019 season.The Royals had the fifth best defense in the German Football League in 2018 and in signing Illetschko they have added excellent defensive strength..

The 6′, 230 lb native of Vienna, Austria, was the fifth leading tackler in Austria in 2018 with 45 tackles in 10 games, tops on the Austrian Bowl finalists.

Illetschko, a product of the Vienna Vikings football program, spent the previous two seasons with the Frankfurt Universe and in 2017 was named Defensive Player of the Year for Frankfurt. He amassed 214 tackles in two years. He arrived in Frankfurt after playing one season with the Finnish champion Helsinki Roosters in 2015 where he earned Maple League All Star honors. He was named Austria’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2014 after helping the Vienna Vikings win the Austrian crown.

Royals team president Stephan Goericke:

“I do not think there is a better European linebacker. His resume speaks for itself, in each of his teams, he has become defensive MVP, and each one of his team has won a title. The fact that we were able to win him over is a tribute to many. “

Illetschko:

“My gut told me the Royals are the right choice as a team. I especially want the defense to come together quickly, to become one and harmonize on the field. “