Poland’s Wroclaw Panthers sign Winnipeg Blue Bombers DE Thiadric Hansen

The Wroclaw Panthers of  Poland’s Liga Futbolu Amerykańskiego, LFA, have made a major addition to their defense with the signing of Winnipeg Blue Bomber edge rusher Thiadric Hansen from Germany.

Hansen had been released from the Winnipeg roster after the cancellation of the Canadian Football League season, to permit him to pursue other football opportunities.

The LFA “post pandemic lockdown” season kicks off September 5.

The 6’2″, 243 pound 27-year-old Hansen, a native of Flensburg, Germany was the crown jewel of the Canadian Football League Global Initiative. He was selected 2nd overall in the 2019 CFL European Draft after posting outstanding numbers including a 38″ vertical (best among global players and third overall). He converted from linebacker to defensive end with the Bombers and grew into a key part of the defensive line rotation by the end of the season. Hansen suited up in every Bombers game and recorded five tackles, a sack and two forced fumbles in limited playtime.

Hansen was happy that although the CFL season ultimately was cancelled, he was able to find somewhere else to play:

“Of course, it’s been a harsh time for me because I was waiting, really looking forward to another season there, but it’s probably safer for everyone, better for the league. I think it was a good decision in the end though[season being cancelled]. And they made it easy for me  to sign with a team in Europe, they didn’t put obstacles in the way, so I am really grateful for that.”

Hansen spent the six seasons with the Kiel Baltic Hurricanes in the GFL before signing to play with the Potsdam Royals. From 2012 to 2018, he recorded 527 tackles plus 62 tackles for loss, leading the team in tackles from 2016 to 2018.

Although there were other opportunities, Hansen chose the Panthers:

“In Kiel I played with a guy Josh Alaeze, who had played with the Panthers the year before [2017] and he told me so many positive things about playing there. And also I had seen the city when I was playing with the German national team in 2017 when we played the World Games tournament there so it was really a no brainer at all. I wanted to play football this year and this was the best opportunity and best offer I had.”

The Panthers, defending LFA champions, open the season on September 5 when they face the Tychy Falcons on the road in Tychy.