The Wroclaw Panthers have secured a major piece of their defensive line for the 2026 season, announcing the re-signing of veteran Latvian defensive end Karlis Brauns.
A proven force in the trenches
The 31-year-old, 6’5″, 270-pound native of Riga returns for his second stint with the Panthers after previously playing for the team in 2021 before spending three seasons with the Frankfurt Galaxy. During his time with the Galaxy, Brauns established himself as a dominant presence, accumulating 126 tackles and 18 sacks. His combination of size, strength, and technique has made him one of Europe’s most consistent defensive linemen.
International experience and recognition
Brauns’ impressive physical abilities were on full display at the 2022 CFL Global Combine, where he turned heads with a remarkable 29 reps on the bench press. This performance earned him a training camp invitation with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. His professional journey also includes two appearances at the NFL International Combine in 2019 and 2020, demonstrating his commitment to developing his game at the highest levels.
Previous success with Wroclaw
During his first season with the Panthers in 2021, Brauns played a crucial role in helping the team reach the European League of Football semifinals. He led all defensive linemen in tackles that season while recording nine sacks, placing him in the top five league-wide. His incredible durability was shown by playing 95% of all defensive snaps, and his performance earned him recognition as the sole European representative on the American all-star team that faced the ELF All-Stars.
Veteran leadership and production
Brauns brings extensive experience across multiple European leagues, including stops with the Hildesheim Invaders and Cologne Crocodiles in Germany, where he consistently produced impressive numbers including 54 tackles with 17 for loss and eight sacks in 2019. His return provides the Panthers with not only proven production but valuable veteran leadership for their defensive unit as they look to build on their recent successes.