Defensive coordinators and players across the Austrian Football League will be scrambling this week to ensure their front sevens are up to scratch after the reigning champion Danube Dragons announced the official signing of former ELF All Star, Madre London.
This surprises many as this is the biggest mid-season signing of the European calendar thus far. Danube sits at 3-2 in the season so far. However, the Dragons have bigger aspirations than capturing their third Austrian title. In their sights, they have locked into European competition for 2024.
Danube GM/HC Fred Armstrong:
“When we decided to enter the CEFL we wanted to bring a special player to our team. Madre is a pro on and off the field.”
The Dragons are now filled with even more talent than before. The 6’1″, 220 pound London had one of the most successful seasons in European league history with the Cologne Centurions in 2021, rushing for 2,177 yards and 24 total touchdowns in only 11 games, helping the Centurions reach the post-season. He was the league’s most productive ball carrier, running for 1,120 more yards than the next closest rusher. The 25-year old had multiple games with over 300 yards rushing, earning the league’s “MVP of the week award” three times throughout the season. The league MVP finished the season averaging 217.7 yards a game and 7.2 yards per carry. The statistically dominant season earned him a spot on the AFI All Europe team and ELF’s All-Star team.
He then made his way to the Pittsburgh Maulers in the USFL from 2022-2023.
By signing London as part of their three-peat attempt and Central European Football League cup run the Dragons have shown that they mean business. He certainly isn’t the only notable name added to the roster. Offensive lineman Dennis Kenzler is well known for his time with the Hamburg Sea Devils from 2021-2023 where he showed excellence on and off the field with his Man of the Year award from the league. His teammat in Hamburg, linebacker Thiago Lassow, is also part of the Dragons. Lastly, Hakeem Kinnard formerly of St. Francis College has sure up the secondary unit for the team as a late replacement as well. The 2023 Austrian Bowl MVP is unquestionably a highly valuable player to have back in the team. Dutch national team standout Chivarros Van Ommeren has returned as well. He is a former NFL Academy player who is considered to be one of the most elite young prospects in the country.
Madre London:
“I am so glad to be back in Europe and getting together with Coach Armstrong and the Dragons to continue my football journey.”
London will make his game debut this weekend when the Dragons play Italy’s Guelfi Firenze in the second round of Central European Football League play.
