The German Football League defending champion Dresden Monarchs have made a splash signing bringing in NFL prospect Leonel Misangumkini.
The Austrian defender is a huge addition to the Monarchs defense.
Misangumkini recently spent the off-season taking his second crack at the NFL with the NFL International Pathway Player Program (NFL IPP). As part of the NFL IPP program, Misangumkini spent two separate off-season training with top performance and position coaches in the US, preparing him for the next level. However, he was not allocated to the NFL following the program and now takes his talents to northeastern Germany.
The 6’5′, 260 pound 25-year-old was superb in helping the Vikings capture their best of five Austrian championship series in 2020 during the pandemic altered season. Although Misangumukini has only been a part of the Vikings football program since 2016, he has learned quickly. The lean, athletic defensive end has shown true commitment to the game, improving bit by bit every season.
NFL International Player Pathway spotlight: Leonel Misangumkini, DL, Austria https://t.co/xlbVQHk9i8
— American Football International (@AFIReview) January 13, 2022
In 2020, the future NFL prospect caught the attention of scouts putting up 2.5 tackles for a loss and a defensive touchdown in only three games. That flash of production and his ideal frame gave him the chance to prove himself against some of the best international players in the world. Now after an injury in 2021, Misangumkini finally returns to the field after two years of elite training. The Monarchs and Misangumkini now expect him to become an impact player for one of Europe’s premiere clubs.
The move to Dresden came as a bit of a suprise as many fans expected the NFL prospect to return to the Vienna Vikings, especially as they enter the European League of Football. However, the Vikings did sign American pass rusher Blake Nelson and bring back AFL sack leader Leon Balogh, making the defensive line room in Vienna a crowded one.
Last year coach Ulz Dauber and the Monarchs picked up Yoann Miangue after his NFL IPP attempt. That experiment ended in Miangue playing extremely well in the championship game, helping the Monarchs hoist the German Bowl Trophy for the first time in club history.
Read more about Misgumkini’s backstory here
Watch Misangumkini’s 2020 highlights here
