Rhein Fire add veteran CFL defensive back Justin Howell

The Rhein Fire of the American Football League Europe (AFLE) have signed veteran defensive back Justin Howell, adding experienced secondary depth as they pursue a third consecutive ELF championship.

Howell brings CFL experience to Düsseldorf
The 32-year-old Canadian defender spent seven seasons with the Ottawa Redblacks, appearing in six games during the 2025 CFL season and recording eight defensive tackles. Over his career, the 5’11”, 198-pound defensive back compiled 115 defensive tackles, 31 special teams tackles, five forced fumbles, and one sack. Originally a seventh-round pick by Ottawa in the 2018 CFL Draft out of Carleton University, Howell became a free agent last month following the expiration of his contract.

Veteran presence for a championship squad
The Fire, based in Düsseldorf, established themselves as a powerhouse in the now defunct ELF, boasting a 38–10 record since their inception and winning back-to-back league titles in 2023 and 2024.