Germany: Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns add Maple League DPOY Tommy Kaczocha

| American Football | 04/11/2023

The Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns have made a splash in luring former Defensive Player of the Year in the Finnish Maple League, Tommy Kazcocha out of retirement. After sitting out in 2022, the dual EU-citizen defensive back and receiver is eager to join the Unicorns as they look to repeat as German Bowl Champions in an always competitive GFL.

“The Unicorns are known as one of the best organizations in all of Europe,” says Tommy Kaczocha. “I look forward to being part of a special culture. I don’t want to bring anything but energy and passion to the field like I’ve always done throughout my career. I will do everything to help the team defend the title. That is my goal.”

In this last full season, Kaczocha played both ways for the Wasa Royals in Finland in 2021, putting up 427 yards and four touchdowns on 37 catches, while snagging four interceptions and making 15 tackles on defense.

Kaczocha spent the 2020 Finnish season playing for the reigning champion Kuopio Steelers and was a defensive key in helping them win their first ever Maple Bowl. He was named MVP of the Maple Bowl after recording three interceptions in the Steelers 21-0 victory over the Helsinki Wolverines. He finished the season in Finland with 14.5 tackles and three interceptions in five games. He then signed with the Bialystok Lowlanders in Poland’s Liga Futbolu Amerykańskiego (LFA) and was an important factor for the Lowlanders in reaching the Polish title game.

The 25 year old 5’11”, 180 pound Kaczocha, the son of Polish immigrants, from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, kept proving the doubters wrong as a Div. III defensive back playing for Centre College. He finished his four-year career (2015-2018) with 118 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 6 interceptions (1 returned for a touchdown), 24 pass breakups, 2 fumble recoveries (1 returned for a touchdown), 1 forced fumble and 5 sacks.

Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and