Karlis Brauns Continues His Journey with Us

Defensive lineman Karlis Brauns has signed a contract for the 2026 season and will once again appear for the Panthers Wrocław.

The 31-year-old player, who hails from Latvia, is currently regarded as one of the most experienced players in Europe. His sports career includes appearances for renowned European clubs. He has represented teams such as: Kotka Eagles (Finland), Riga Lions (Latvia), Cologne Crocodiles (Germany), Hildesheim Invaders (Germany), and Frankfurt Galaxy (Germany). It is worth noting that Karlis's experience extends beyond the European leagues. In 2020, he participated in the prestigious NFL International Combine, and in 2022, he was selected with the 3rd pick in the Canadian Football League (CFL) global draft by the BC Lions team. Karlis also has a history with the Wrocław team. In 2021, he represented Wrocław on the international stage for the first time. After a three-year break, he rejoined the team for the 2025 season, where he served as a key player and a pillar of the Panthers' defense.

What ultimately convinced you to stay with the Panthers for another season? Did the new vision presented by the coaching staff and management have a key influence on your decision to continue playing in Wrocław?

Ultimately the main reasons were my love for the city and people of Wroclaw and Tarcinsky snacks! The new vision just made the decsion that much easier! 

You are a key component of the defense. Which aspect of the defensive unit's play are you satisfied with following the 2025 season, and what do you feel the team needs to work on before the next season?

To reach the goals I expect from our team we need to work on everything, get better across the board especially new blood from other Polish cities. I am most satisfied with the young boys stepping up and the defensive squad holding together, I think strong team spirit will be needed to bend and not break which is I think the path to winning.

The new coaching staff brings new energy and expectations. As a veteran and one of the most influential players, how do you plan to help quickly integrate new players and implement the new work culture imposed by the Head Coach?

I have played several times against Coach Likins and Tomlin duo, as well we had a brief time together with Coach Likins in 2022 before I was drafted to Canada so I know them a little bit from both sides not just by reputation. I think their winning minset and straight-up aproach is something I feel familiar with. I am fired up to work together, I think it will come seamlessly. 

What specific individual goal are you setting for yourself for the new season to ensure your contribution on the field is maximal and helps the team achieve its championship ambitions?

To be stronger, run faster, jump higher and be more helpful to my teammates - pre season. Get more sacks and force more turnovers than any of my previous seasons. That should be a good start.

Panthers Wrocław has immense fan support. Given the changes within the club, what is your message to the fans ahead of the new season, and what do you believe is most important right now for the entire Wrocław community to unite around the team?

I have been saying this to people around the league(s), Wroclaw and Panthers really have everything to succeed and with the new changes I think we can have that final spark to  leave a mark similar to the olympic flame of our stadium, just got to work, believe and stay together!