DONKOR ADDS FIRE TO ELF CHAMPIONSHIP GAME REMATCH

Already tabbed as Week 3 of the 2025 European League of Football’s ‘Game of the Week’, the rematch between last season’s finalists, the Vienna Vikings and Rhein Fire, had been given added spice by the Austrian side’s latest star signing.

While the Hamburg Sea Devils and Madrid Bravos might beg to differ, having landed QBs Taulia Tagovailoa and Reid Sinnett respectively this season, many believe Aaron Donkor’s arrival in Vienna to be the biggest transfer news of 2025 so far. The former NFL linebacker played with the Fire last year and Vikings fans will well remember his performance in the 2024 ELF Championship game, where he twice sacked QB Ben Holmes as Rhein went on to claim back-to-back titles.

Indeed, with 8.5 sacks, 39 tackles and 14 tackles for a loss, Donkor was one of the best pass rushers in the entire ELF last season, and was named an All-Star for his efforts. Now, however, the former Seattle Seahawk is bringing his talent to the Danube, and just so happens to be making his Vikings debut against his former team at Düsseldorf’s Merkur Spiel-Arena. Prior to joining the Fire, Donkor spent three years in the NFL as part of the IPP programme, having played for Arkansas State before turning professional. The German, who also excels at basketball, also spent a season in the XFL before returning to Europe, where he now joins an already outstanding Vienna defense.

Donkor is not the only new face expected on the Vikings sideline this weekend, as Italian TE Till Pirtle should also make his debut in Düsseldorf on Sunday. Born in Switzerland and raised in both Italy and the USA, Pirtle began his football career in Italy and, in the absence of former ELF franchise Milan, is considered a ‘homegrown’ player for the Vikings under this year’s European League of Football rules.

It isn’t all good news for Vienna, however, as they make the trip to Germany without star running back Karri Pajarinen. The Finn, already the franchise’s rushing record holder, was hurt in Week 2’s home game against the Fehérvár Enthroners and has been placed on injured reserve for the time being. Johannes Schütz, Benjamin Liedlbauer and Florian Wegan have already shown that the Vikings’ ground game works — and scores — without Pajarinen, however.

Kickoff for Rhein Fire (1-0) versus Vienna Vikings (2-0) is scheduled for 4.25pm local time this Sunday (June 1st).