GFL: Cologne Crocodiles re-sign quarterback Christian Strong
The Cologne Crocodiles of the German Football League have brought back their field general from last season agreeing to terms with passer Christian Strong. The Canadian and British dual citizen passer looks to build off of a successful season in 2021, as he and head coach David Orenthal are excited to work together again:
“Chris is a fighter and works really hard. It was clear very early last season that I would like to have him back. I’m very happy that Chris decided to play for the Crocodiles in 2022. He had a great season and wants to continue. We are in contact every day. He helps me with recruiting and we continue to work on the game system. Welcome Back Capitano.”
The 6’4″, 214 pound quarterback led the Crocodiles to the post season throwing for 3,470 yards and 33 touchdowns. The Brampton, Ontario native navigated Cologne to the league’s second-best total offense putting up over 400 yards a game. Strong spent the 2019 season with the GFL’s Düsseldorf Panther where he threw for 2,061 yards and 13 touchdowns. He had signed to play with the Hildesheim Invaders for the 2020 season before the GFL was canceled.
He grew up in Florida and then spent four years at Seton Hill and in his final three seasons with the Griffins completed 741 of 1,289 passes for 9,395 yards and 62 touchdowns. In his senior season, he set all kinds of passing records finishing with 3,074 yards passing. One of the highlights of his career was being named the Division II HERO of the Week in his junior season for his performance against BR 89 Kutztown when he threw for 517 yards and four touchdowns in a 44-22 victory. In 2018, he played for the Brisbane Rhinos in Gridiron Queensland League in Australia. He was named league MVP after leading the Rhinos to the championship game. He threw for 2,830 yards and 46 touchdowns that season.
The young Canadian rejoins a Cologne team that made the playoffs last season and looks to return to the postseason next fall. Strong will also have one of his top targets back in receiver Aaron Jackson. Jackson and strong combined for 1,315 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, as the two were one of the most exciting duos in the league. Strong will also be reunited with college teammate Jarvis Mcclam who scored 28 touchdowns during his time at Seton Hill.
Read more about Christian Strong here
