The Nordic Storm joins the European League of Football (ELF) as its newest franchise, bringing American football fervor to Denmark’s capital. Based in Copenhagen, the team enters the league’s fifth season with ambitions to blend regional talent and continental stars, aiming to carve out a reputation as a Northern European powerhouse.
Coaching pedigree sets the tone
Head coach John Shoop, a veteran with over 20 years of NFL and NCAA experience, leads the charge. Fresh off a 2024 stint as Rhein Fire’s quarterbacks coach and a transformative 2023 season guiding the Munich Ravens to a 7-5 debut record, Shoop’s strategic acumen anchors the Nordic Storm’s blueprint. He’s joined by defensive coordinator Brandon Noble, a former NFL lineman who shaped the Hamburg Sea Devils’ formidable 2024 defense. Together, they prioritize discipline and adaptability, critical for a first-year franchise.
Offensive firepower headlined by ELF MVPs
The Storm’s offense revolves around quarterback Jadrian Clark, the 2023 ELF MVP and Rhein Fire champion. Known for his poise and deep-ball accuracy, Clark reunites with 2024 ELF MVP running back Glen Toonga, whose bruising style netted 1,400+ rushing yards last season. Their chemistry, honed during back-to-back titles with Rhein Fire, offers instant synergy. Clark’s arsenal also includes Swedish receiver Theodor Landström, a Hamburg Sea Devils alum praised for crisp routes, Spanish All Star tight end, Adria Botella Moreno, and Danish speedster Edwin Almeida. Exciting Danish running back Anton Witmeur is a recent addition to the team and will be an interesting complement to Toonga’s power running.
Defensive backfield bolstered by proven playmakers
Luke Glenna Photo: Paula Romo
Safety Luke Glenna, the ELF’s 2023 tackle leader (137) and a four-interception standout, headlines a revamped secondary. He teams with ballhawk Exavier Edwards, a 2022 Vienna Vikings champion, and lockdown corner Chad Walrond, formerly of the Stuttgart Surge. Linebacker Emil Hovde, a Berlin Thunder veteran, injects aggression into the front seven, while the return of center Joachim Christensen—a three-time ELF All-Star—strengthens both leadership and line stability.
Swedish DL Emil Hovde Photo: Eric Muehle
Nordic roots complement star imports
Running back Anton Witmeur (28) finding running room during Mermaid Bowl XXXII (2021-10-09). Photo: Mikkel Bo Rasmussen / 1st Down Photo (@1stdownphoto)
While high-profile signings grab headlines, the Storm’s commitment to regional talent shines. The recent addition of Danish running back Anton Witmeur along with Landström and Almeida embody Scandinavia’s growing football footprint, while Hovde’s local ties resonate with Danish fans. Christensen’s comeback from retirement bridges experience and homegrown pride, vital for fostering identity. “Blending our Nordic core with ELF-tested players creates a unique culture,” Shoop noted.
Building toward playoff relevance
Though championship expectations are tempered for 2025, the Nordic Storm target incremental progress. Playoff contention remains a long-term vision, but early competitiveness is non-negotiable. “Our goal is to surprise teams,” Noble emphasized, pointing to Clark’s leadership and Toonga’s ground dominance as catalysts.
With a roster blending MVP-caliber imports and emerging regional stars, the Storm aim to electrify Copenhagen’s fans—and signal the North’s rise in European football. As Clark put it: “We’re here to compete, not just participate.” For a league eager to expand its footprint, the Nordic Storm’s debut is one to watch.