BAHAR JOINS FIRE FOR AFLE DEBUT
The Rhein Fire continue to shape their roster for the 2026 American Football League Europe season by securing key additions on offense, naming American quarterback Kenji Bahar as the new starter under center and signing experienced German offensive lineman Tobias Braun from the ruins of 2025 ELF champions Stuttgart.
Bahar, 28, will play in Europe for the first time having spent time at the highest levels of the sport, most notably with his hometown Baltimore Ravens in the NFL. The Ravens signed Bahar as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and, during the pandemic-affected season, he saw brief preseason action against the Carolina Panthers. After a temporary release, the Monmouth University graduate returned to the active roster and was on the sideline as a backup during a regular-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Before his professional career, Bahar established himself as one of the most productive quarterbacks in Monmouth history, setting school records for touchdowns, completions, 300-yard passing games and pass attempts. Even during those record-setting seasons, he emphasised daily self-evaluation and consistency rather than individual accolades.
Between 2022 and 2024, Bahar played in both the USFL and UFL, with the Houston Gamblers and Houston Roughnecks respectively, starting all nine game of the 2023 campaign and throwing for 1,712 yards. Most recently, he suited up for the Massachusetts Pirates in the 2025 Indoor Football League before committing to his move to Europe. He will step into the shoes previously filled by Jadrien Clark (now with Nordic Storm) and Chad Jeffries, who shocked the European scene by opting to join the recently-promoted Vienna Knights in the Austrian national league.
“Kenji impresses us with his high football IQ, his experience and his ability to lead a team,” Fire sporting director Rohat Dagdelen said. “From a sporting perspective, he brings exactly the mix we need. He’s a strong pocket passer and also possesses the necessary athleticism to extend plays or create them himself. We are convinced that he is a great fit for Rhein Fire, both on and off the field, and can take our offense to the next level.”
Up front, meanwhile, the Fire have added size and experience with the signing of Tobias Braun, formerly of the Stuttgart Surge. The 25-year-old Freiburg native attended high school in Texas and Connecticut before becoming a three-star recruit and earning scholarship interest from more than ten universities. Braun began his Division I career with Ole Miss in the SEC and completed it at Arkansas State from 2023 to 2024.
After returning to Germany, Braun joined Stuttgart, where he was a regular part of the offensive line rotation and helped protect quarterback Reilly Hennessy during a championship run that culminated in a title-game victory over the Vienna Vikings at Mercedes-Benz Arena in September.
“With Tobias Braun, we are bringing one of the top talents in German football to the Rhein,” Dagdelen commented. “With his height, his physicality and his high football IQ, he will play a key role and help us provide important impetus for the further development of our offense.”
The Fire are due to contest the inaugural AFLE season in 2026, and are one of six teams currently confirmed with the organisation.
Image courtesy USFL