Dresden Monarchs add Casey Thompson and Michael Breuler as GFL playoff push heats up
The unbeaten Dresden Monarchs have bolstered their offense ahead of the stretch run of the German Football League season, signing quarterback Casey Thompson and wide receiver Michael Breuler as they prepare for the upcoming playoffs.
The additions give Dresden even more depth on an offense that is already firing on all cylinders after last week’s 48-10 victory over the Munich Cowboys, a game in which quarterback Rocky Lombardi threw for 248 yards and four touchdowns.
More options for the offense
Offensive coordinator Robert Cruse said the signings are about adding flexibility rather than replacing anyone already on the roster.
Cruse pointed to last season, when injuries derailed the Monarchs’ championship hopes, as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change during the postseason.
Thompson and Breuler arrive with extensive experience and provide additional options as Dresden looks to keep its offense among the league’s most dangerous units heading into the playoffs.
Thompson brings major college experience
Thompson joins the Monarchs after a college career that included stops at Texas, Nebraska, Florida Atlantic, and Oklahoma, starting games against some of the top programs in college football.
During his collegiate career, the 26-year-old threw for 5,338 yards and 52 touchdowns while adding 10 rushing touchdowns.
His best full season came at Nebraska in 2022, when he passed for 2,407 yards and 17 touchdowns despite battling injuries. A year earlier at Texas, he completed 63 percent of his passes for 2,113 yards and 24 touchdowns while adding four rushing scores.
Thompson also showed his explosiveness in limited action, throwing four touchdown passes on just 10 completions in the 2020 Alamo Bowl.
Breuler adds proven production
Breuler arrives with an impressive résumé built across some of Europe’s top leagues.
The 30-year-old has previously suited up for the New York Lions Braunschweig, Straubing Spiders, and Potsdam Royals, while also helping the Vienna Vikings capture the European League of Football championship in 2022.
He is coming off an outstanding 2025 campaign with the New York Lions Braunschweig, catching 55 passes for 695 yards and six touchdowns in just seven games.
His familiarity with German football should allow him to settle into the Monarchs’ offense quickly.
Already sitting atop the GFL standings, the Monarchs have shown few weaknesses this season. By adding a veteran quarterback with high-level college experience and a proven playmaking receiver, Dresden has given itself even more depth as it chases both a German Football League championship and a successful postseason run.
