AFI’s All-Europe Team: Running backs – Madre London, Cologne Centurions

| American Football | 12/23/2021

When discussing the top running backs in Europe the decision to name European League of Football MVP Madre London was an easy one. The former Michigan State (NCAA D1 BIG TEN) and Tennessee (NCAA D1 SEC) ball carriers elite combination of speed, strength, and vision made him one of the most exciting players to watch in all of last year.

The 6’1″, 220 pound running back put up 2,177 rushing yards and 24 total touchdowns in only 11 games, helping the Centurions reach the post-season. London was the league’s most productive ball carrier, running for 1,120 more yards than the next closest rusher. The 25-year old had multiple games with over 300 yards rushing, earning the league’s “MVP of the week award” three times throughout the season. The league MVP finished the season averaging 217.7 yards a game and 7.2 yards per carry. The statistically dominant season earned the Centurions star a spot on ELF’s All-Star team.

London commented his two thousand-yard season this past summer:

“It’s a milestone for sure, for the team and myself. But it’s not over, I can’t be satisfied. We’re excited to be apart of the first European League of Football playoff game” (via European League of Football)

Before making the move overseas, London played college football at two prestigious programs suiting up for both the Michigan State Spartans (NCAA D1 BIG TEN) and the Tennessee Volunteers (NCAA D1 SEC). Over the course of his collegiate career, London amassed 1,130 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing, while adding 105 yards and one touchdown receiving. After his NCAA playing days, the Little Rock, Arkansas native played professionally in The Spring League and Fan–Controlled–Football League before arriving in Cologne.

To the delight of ELF fans around the world, the reigning league MVP  has already re-signed to be a part of the ELF’s Cologne Centurions once again in 2022. Centurions general manager David Drane on bringing back London:

 “The Cologne Centurions are happy to announce that the best player in the European League of Football will return to the team and to Cologne. We are very excited to have Madre re-signed. We are certain that he will play a big part next season in our battle to be league champions.”

Read more about Madre London’s football journey here. 

Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and