Austrian TE Florian Bierbaumer drafted by UFL’s Louisville Kings

The Louisville Kings of the United Football League have made an international splash, selecting Austrian tight end Florian Bierbaumer in the draft for their 2026 season.

From European standout to UFL prospect
Bierbaumer, a 6’6″, 240-pound pass-catcher from Graz, Austria, has been a dominant force in European football. He most recently played for the Vienna Vikings in the European League of Football, where in the 2025 season he recorded 36 receptions for 480 yards and an impressive 10 touchdowns. Since joining the Vikings in 2022, he has compiled 115 catches for 1,647 yards and 26 touchdowns, showcasing consistent production and red-zone reliability.

His journey to the UFL began in the Austrian Football League with the Graz Giants in 2021, where he posted 37 receptions for 740 yards and six touchdowns.

Inspired by The Rock
Bierbaumer’s football journey has a unique origin story. He was inspired to begin playing after watching Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the movie “The Game Plan.” Johnson is now a co-owner of the UFL, making Bierbaumer’s draft story a full-circle moment. The Louisville Kings are undoubtedly hoping his professional career is just as inspired.