The 2025 European League of Football (ELF) season kicks off with a thrilling matchup as the Paris Musketeers host the reigning champions, Rhein Fire, on Saturday, May 17, at Stade Robert Bobin in Bondoufle. Gates open at 4:00 PM CEST, ushering in an afternoon filled with football and festivities.
After a commendable 10–2 regular season in 2024 and a semifinal appearance, the Paris Musketeers are poised to elevate their performance under the leadership of new head coach Jack Del Rio, a former NFL head coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders . The team boasts a strong core of homegrown French talent, complemented by standout players like US wide receiver Austin Mitchell, who impressed with 65 receptions for 1,010 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2024.
Jaylon Henderson, the new quarterback for the Paris Musketeers, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the team. At 27, Henderson has demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership, most notably during his tenure with the Potsdam Royals in the German Football League (GFL), where he led the team to two consecutive championships. In the 2024 season alone, he amassed 5,202 passing yards and 91 total touchdowns over 15 games.
Rhein Fire enters the 2025 season as the reigning back-to-back champions of the European League of Football, having secured their second consecutive title with a commanding 51–20 victory over the Vienna Vikings in the 2024 Championship Game. Under the guidance of head coach Jim Tomsula, the team achieved an impressive 14–1 record last season, showcasing a dominant defense and a potent offense.
However, the offseason brought significant changes. Key contributors like MVP running back Glen Toonga and quarterback Jadrian Clark have departed, prompting a new era for the team. To fill the quarterback void, Rhein Fire signed veteran Chad Jeffries, formerly of the Munich Ravens. Jeffries brings a dual-threat capability, having thrown for 6,423 yards and 65 touchdowns, along with 700 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons. Complementing Jeffries is wide receiver Rory Starkey, who adds NFL experience to the receiving corps.
Gameday Festivities: More Than Just Football
Fans attending the game can look forward to a vibrant pregame party starting at 4:00 PM, featuring:
• Live music and DJ performances
• Cheerleader showcases and mascot appearances
• Interactive games: cornhole, XXL beer pong, and a throwing wall
• Exciting giveaways and a prize wheel
• Diverse food trucks and the exclusive MELT BBQ experience
During halftime, the field will host a flag football exhibition featuring regional youth teams, organized in collaboration with the Fédération Française de Football Américain (FFFA), highlighting the growth of the sport at the grassroots level.
For those unable to attend in person, the game will be broadcast live on DAZN and the ELF Game Pass.
Event Schedule
• Gates Open & Pregame Party: 4:00 PM
• Kickoff: 6:00 PM
• Halftime: Youth Flag Football Exhibition
