BIERBAUMER EXCITED BY UFL OPPORTUNITY

Florian Bierbaumer is making the trans-Atlantic leap from European continental football as one of three European League of Football veterans selected in the 2026 UFL Draft.

The 27-year-old Austrian was selected by UFL newcomers Louisville Kings, and will join Maceo Beard — who was selected by the reigning champion DC Defenders — and former Madrid Bravos import Aron Cruickshank, who joins another new outfit in the Orlando Storm.

Bierbaumer has been a fixture with the Vienna Vikings for years and has significantly shaped the Viennese franchise’s offense with his playing style. Since his professional debut in 2022, the Styrian native has spent four seasons chasing touchdowns for the Vikings internationally. With his impressive size, dominant physique and exceptional ability to catch contested passes, often in spectacular fashion, he quickly made a name for himself throughout Europe and became a fan favourite, earning the nickname ‘Cheat Code’.

Bierbaumer consistently made waves on the international stage, having been selected to the ELF All-Star Team in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and celebrated two IFAF European Championship titles with the Austrian men’s national team, in 2023 and 2025. Scouts from the USA also took notice of the Vikings player as early as the end of 2023, leading to an invitation to the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP) in 2024. In November last year, he was invited to the UFL International Showcase in Switzerland, where his performance undoubtedly influenced the next step in his career.

In the midst of fielding numerous congratulatory messages and calls, Bierbaumer also had his first chat with Louisville Kings head coach Chris Redman.

“Of course, I’m thrilled about the outcome of the draft and this immense opportunity that has presented itself,” a clearly delighted Bierbaumer admitted, “…but I also have to chuckle a bit at the fact that I’ll now be playing for UFL owner Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson — the man who was my childhood hero and a major reason why I started playing football in the first place.”

Bierbaumer’s draft selection is not only a personal accolade for his individual achievements, but also a strong testament to the quality of work being done at the Vienna Vikings. The entire organisation — and no doubt other teams, players and leagues in Europe — will be monitoring Bierbaumer’s progress with a mix of great interest and pride.