This weekend, the European League of Football will kick off their fourth season. Over the past few years, the ELF has shown major signs of growth in Europe, and continue to expand their horizons with each and every season.

We have seen multiple players in the spring football scene in America who have backgrounds in European football. Additionally, these leagues have provided new homes to plenty of athletes who were let go by their respective American teams.

One major example of ELF success was KaVontae Turpin. The USFL’s 2022 MVP had played with the Wroclaw Panthers in the 2021 season, prior to his time with the New Jersey Generals.

This year, the ELF will feature several names who spring football fans will be familiar with. European teams are limited to a few “American Imports” per season, otherwise we would likely see even more. Let’s take a look at some of the former USFL & XFL players to keep an eye on this year in the ELF.

QB D’Angelo Fulford | Vegas Vipers

It’s about time D’Angelo Fulford gets an opportunity to be “the guy”. The Raiders Tirol have signed Fulford to the roster, following his time with the Vegas Vipers in 2023. D’Angelo was a late addition to Vegas’ roster, with the trade of Luis Perez to the Arlington Renegades.

With the Vipers not making it into the USFL-XFL merger, Fulford was left without a roster spot in the UFL. This led to him signing with the Raiders.

D’Angelo Fulford played the majority of his college football at Mount Union. He led the team to a National Championship in 2017, throwing 50 touchdowns to just five interceptions that year.

Fulford also had an opportunity with the MLFB – but we all know how that ended. Now, he’ll look to rejuvenate his professional career in the ELF. Don’t look now, but D’Angelo has the potential to be one of the top QB’s in this league.

WR Kelvin McKnight | Seattle Sea Dragons

Kelvin McKnight was a playmaker for the Seattle Sea Dragons in 2023. He was utilized often on special teams, being the first XFL player to surpass 1,000 return yards.

McKnight was a key piece to a Seattle team that made a playoff run last year. He surprisingly didn’t get picked up in the Dispersal Draft process, and now lands with the defending Champs in the Rhein Fire.

With his NFL, CFL and XFL experience, expect dynamic play from Kelvin this year in the ELF. He’s got the tangibles to be elite at this level.

DB Christian Tutt | New Jersey Generals

Christian Tutt has signed with the Stuttgart Surge, following his USFL campaign with the New Jersey Generals.

Tutt played with the Generals for two seasons, starting in nine of ten games played in 2023. He posted 32 tackles during his USFL career, alongside a couple of PBU’s. He finished the 2023 season with a 64.9 Defensive Grade, via PFF.

Christian is an Auburn product, totaling 88 tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions during his time at the school. The Surge’s secondary just got stronger with this addition.

WR Darrell Stewart Jr. | New Jersey Generals

The Stuttgart Surge are familiar with the New Jersey Generals. Last year, they signed Darrell Stewart Jr., after his stint with the Generals. Darrell was a late addition to the team, and immediately made an impact during his short time in New Jersey.

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Stewart ended up going to the ELF Championship last year with Stuttgart, proving to be one of the most explosive wide receivers in the entire league. With a full training camp under his belt this time around, one would expect Darrell to be even more impressive this year.

DB Devin Taylor | Philadelphia Stars

The Raiders Tirol grabbed Devin Taylor, who some may remember from his time with the Stars. The Philadelphia Stars had all sorts of secondary injuries in 2023, which led to Devin signing late in the year. He ended up starting in their final matchup in week ten – holding receivers to two catches on seven targets.

In three games, Devin posted six tackles and a PBU. He’s a raw, talented DB who should make an impact for the Raiders this season.

LB Jordan Genmark-Heath | Philadelphia Stars

The Paris Musketeers added Jordan Genmark-Heath, who also was with the Philadelphia Stars in 2023. Jordan played in just two games for Philadelphia, totaling four tackles before being released midway through the year.

K Dominik Eberle | Seattle Sea Dragons

Dominik Eberle was with the Seattle in the XFL last year, and now finds his way to the Berlin Thunder. Eberle was pretty efficient with the Sea Dragons, going 14-18 on field goal attempts on the season. He was 1-3 from 50+, but did convert on a 54 yarder in week six against Orlando.

The former Utah State star brings plenty of professional experience to Berlin. He’s had NFL stints with Las Vegas, Houston, and Detroit – and was on an XFL playoff roster in Seattle.

Final Thoughts

There is no denying it: the European League of Football has some legitimate talent. Aside from the American imports, the league itself is full of dynamic playmakers – some of which deserve more attention.

One notable is the signing of QB Ben Holmes to the Vienna Vikings. He was formerly the #1 overall pick for the USFL’s New Jersey Generals in 2022, but he was released during Training Camp.

The ELF will kick off their fourth season this weekend. You can stay up to date on all the action with their official gamepass, which can be purchased here.

What are your thoughts on these former USFL and XFL players making their way to the ELF? Will the European League of Football continue to tap into American athletes? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!



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