The Vienna Vikings have announced that they are extending standout linebacker Thomas Schnurrer for the 2023 European League of Football season.
This past season, the 28 year old Schnurrer helped lead the Vienna Vikings to the European League of Football title in their first year in the ELF. In the championship game, Vienna defeated the Hamburg Sea Devils 27-15 behind a ferocious defensive effort which saw Schnurrer record 14 tackles. Schnurrer played in every game for the Vikings last season recording 104 total tackles (good for third place in the league) and two interceptions. He was recognized for his efforts by being named to the ELF 1st team all defense and was one of only six Europeans to be given this honor.
Schnurrer helped Vienna rank second in the league in scoring defense. In the two playoff games, Vienna only conceded a combined 19 points.
The 6’0″, 210-pound linebacker has been a key fixture on the Austrian National Team for years, playing the team’s youth squad before blossoming into an impact defender on the men’s team. Before joining the Vikings, Schnurrer played for his hometown Graz Giants in the Austrian Football League and since entering the senior ranks in 2016 was rated as one of the AFL’s top defenders. Schnurrer has won the league’s defensive player of the year award four times in his career and was the league’s leading tackler in both 2019 and 2021. In 2021, his final season with Graz, he led the league in tackles, putting up 49.5 tackles, five pass break-ups, and a sack.
Obviously, the Vikings are thrilled to have perhaps the best European linebacker back on their roster.
Head coach Chris Calaycay:
“After being one of the most dominant players in Austria ever, Thomas stepped into the European League of Football and instantly made his impact known. He is one of the most instinctive players I have had the pleasure to coach, but more importantly, his personality and leadership brought this defense to be one of the top in the league. His signing for the 2023 season reflects his passion for the game and to this team.”
Schnurrer:
“I’m very happy to be playing for the Vikings again in 2023 and to be able to defend our title. I think we’re definitely among the contenders for the title again this year. For us players, the goals haven’t changed: we want to play great defense and end every week with a 1-0 record.”