Switzerland: Basel Gladiators sign Canadian RB Elijah Fera

Switzerland’s Basel Gladiators have signed Canadian running back Elijah Fera for the 2022 season.

The 5’10”, 212-pound native of Windsor, Ontario returns to Europe after a two-year absence due to the pandemic. In 2019, Fera led the Eger Heroes to the Hungarian Division 1 title and also played four games with the Hamburg Pioneers in the German third division. In total, he rushed for 1.121 yards and 21 touchdowns while catching 15 passes for 160 yards. He was the league rushing and touchdown leader in Hungary and was named the Heroes MVP.

Fera graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University where he was part of the Yates Cup (Ontario University Athletics) championship team of 2016.

“One of the main reasons I committed to Basel was to compete in one of the top respected divisions in Europe. Division one in Switzerland has great competition and I can’t think of a better place to take my competitiveness to the next level. Basel Gladiator coaches Dwaine Wood and Mark Priegnitz made me feel right at home with the team and Basel during the recruiting process. I am looking forward to exploring the beautiful city of Basel and the country of Switzerland altogether.”