The 2025 ELF Season Begins!

Panthers Wrocław are kicking off the new ELF season. This Saturday, their first game at the Olympic Stadium will be against the Fehérvár Enthroners.

This Saturday, May 17 at 6:00 PM, the Olympic Stadium will once again be filled with thrilling sports emotions. Panthers Wrocław will open their 2025 European League of Football (ELF) season with a matchup against the Hungarian team Fehérvár Enthroners—a rival that has undergone a true transformation in recent months. This will be the first and crucial test for the newly revamped Panthers squad. Tickets are already available – excitement guaranteed!

New Season, New Strength for Panthers
The Wrocław team has undergone intense preparations. During the offseason, the club not only retained its key, experienced Polish players but also significantly strengthened the roster on both offense and defense. American quarterback DJ Irons (University of Akron, NCAA D1) will lead the Panthers’ offense, supported by talented wide receivers Darrell Stewart (Stuttgart Surge) and Otto Eric Ottender (University of Massachusetts). The offensive line has gained solid anchors in Lukas Majer and Ezzat Elnagmi, while Robin Merjenburgh will play at tight end.

The defense has also seen a major overhaul. Karlis Brauns (Frankfurt Galaxy) returns to the Panthers, joined by newcomers such as Laurynas Orlovicius, Jordan Scalan, and Milos Ilić. Defensive stalwarts A.J. Wentland—the league’s top tackler—and Deyvan Burrell—recognized as the ELF’s best special teams player—remain with the team. The core of the team also includes seasoned Polish players: Dawid Brzozowski, one of the best running backs in Europe, Krzysztof Wis, and the reliable Rafał Rogaczewski.

“For me, the preparations felt similar to previous years. I worked on my form so the team can count on me in every play. We have a new coaching staff and new players, but one thing remains the same – our goal is the championship,” emphasizes Rafał Rogaczewski.

It’s also worth noting that this ELF season brings a significant rule change—players from countries such as Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Ukraine are now considered homegrown players and no longer count toward the import player limit. This gives teams—including the Panthers—new opportunities to build strong, multicultural squads.

“We’re focused on the next opponent, taking it week by week. The goal every season is the playoffs, and then to fight for the championship. We’re ready and we’ll show it this Saturday,” says A.J. Wentland.

Enthroners More Dangerous Than Ever
Although the Panthers have won all four of their previous matchups with the Enthroners, this time presents a whole new challenge. The team from Székesfehérvár—founded in 2007 and twice Hungarian champions—enters its third ELF season with fresh energy. After a tough start in the league (only 5 wins in 24 games), the team has gone through a serious rebuild.

The new offensive leader is Brock Domann, former quarterback of the Dresden Monarchs, who threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 24 touchdowns in 13 games last season. Lining up at wide receiver will be Rashad Still—a champion of Mexico’s LFA with an impressive physical profile and strong performance.

But the Enthroners’ biggest strength may lie in their defense. New additions include Vincent Buffet (Paris Musketeers), Michael Badejo, Aleksi Olavuo, and Emmit Gooden—a former Tennessee Volunteers player and star of Netflix’s “Last Chance U.” In the secondary, Aleksandar Borkovic (108 tackles in the 2024 ELF season) and European football legend Goran Zec will play. Zec returns to the field after a one-year break—he previously spent two seasons with none other than... Panthers Wrocław.

“The Enthroners are a great organization with a new staff and lots of potential. We know a strong opponent is coming to Wrocław. We’re excited and can’t wait to take on our first challenge of the season and show who we are,” adds A.J. Wentland.

Sports Thrills and Fun for Fans
The season-opening game isn’t just a battle on the field—it’s a football celebration for the whole family. Starting at 3:00 PM, the area around the Olympic Stadium will feature a fan zone with food trucks, music, games, contests, and meet-and-greets with team mascots. It’s a great opportunity to experience the ELF atmosphere up close.

It’s worth remembering—Panthers Wrocław have never lost a season opener in the European League of Football. On Saturday, they’re counting on fan support to keep the winning streak alive. Kickoff is at 6:00 PM. Tickets available online at ticketmaster.pl.