Germany: Düsseldorf Panther sign all-purpose RB Gennadiy Adams for 2026 campaign
The Düsseldorf Panther have made a significant offensive addition for the 2026 German Football League season, signing veteran running back Gennadiy Adams, a dual US-Russian citizen and proven winner with championship experience in both the ELF and GFL.
Established European production
The 5’9”, 194-pound back brings a wealth of production to Düsseldorf, having rushed for 813 yards and 9 touchdowns in 24 ELF games (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) while also demonstrating reliable receiving skills out of the backfield. His most impressive season came in 2023 with the Potsdam Royals in the German Football League, where he tallied 797 rushing yards, 12 touchdowns, and added 251 receiving yards with 5 more scores—helping lead the team to a GFL title.
Championship pedigree and resilience
Adams has consistently performed in big moments, including a clutch 43-yard touchdown in the 2021 ELF championship game to help Frankfurt Galaxy claim the league’s inaugural title. Despite battling a significant knee injury in 2022, he fought back to remain a productive and respected ball carrier, showcasing the toughness and durability Düsseldorf values in its backfield.
College background and fit in Düsseldorf
A product of Bemidji State University (NCAA Division II), where he rushed for 1,246 yards and 12 touchdowns, Adams also spent two seasons at Simon Fraser University (NCAA Div. II) in Canada before beginning his prolific European career. Now 31, he offers the Panthers a dependable, multi-dimensional weapon who can contribute in both the run and pass game while bringing a championship mentality to the locker room.
