The Prague Black Panthers, Austrian Football League semifinalists, have signed quarterback Ryan Sample for the 2020 season.
The Black Panthers finished the 2019 season with a 7-5 record after reaching the semifinals where they were eliminated by the Dacia Vienna Vikings 28-21.
The 6′, 210 pound, 25 year old Sample, a native of Manteno, Illinois, spent the 2019 season with the Elmshorn Fighting Pirates in the German Football League second division, GFL2, helping the team advance to the GFL in 2020. With the Pirates, he threw for 2,879 and 36 touchdowns while also rushing for 269 yards and another three scores. He was a three-year starter at Benedictine University (NCAA Div. III) where he threw for 9.996 yards while rushing for 776 yards, accounting for 99 touchdowns. He was the starting quarterback for Olivet Nazarene University (NAIA) in 2013 throwing for 1,190 yards in 11 starts for the Tigers.
Black Panthers head coach Matt Vinal:
“Ryan is a leader. He possesses all the skill sets needed in a quarterback to succeed. His character is really what makes him so impressive. Everyone from coaches to the players around him rave about the type of person he is. I believe Ryan is going to be a great fit for our team. He is very smart and knows how to take care of the ball. He’s already led one team to a championship in GFL 2. We are hoping he can help do the same for PBP in the Austrian league.”
Check out Sample’s highlights from 2019 with Elmshorn Fighting Pirates
Highlights from Benedictine University Eagles
