Germany: Braunschweig New Yorker Lions sign speedy British RB Jacob Smillie

The Braunschweig New Yorker Lions have announced the signing of British running back Jacob Smillie for the 2024 German Football League season.

The 5’8″, 194 pound, 25 year old native of Bradford, England attended the 2021 NFL international Player pathway Combine where he clocked a 4.47 in the 40 yard dash, the fourth fastest time among the 52 athletes. A late convert from rugby, Smillie spent part of the 2022 season with the Silesia Rebels in the Polish Football League before suiting up for the Chester Romans in the BAFA National Leagues NFC 1 South.

Smillie switched from rugby to American football in 2020 after playing for the Bradford Bulls RLFC, Halifax RLFC (2018-2019) and Doncaster Knights Rugby Union (Academy). He was part of the Jamaica Rugby 7s side from 2017 to 2019.

The young Brit joins a Braunschweig squad that reached the GFL semifinals in 2023 and under head coach Troy Tomlin are looking to return to the podium. They recently announced the signing of quarterback Lamar Jordan III from New Mexico University (NCAA Div. 1).