This Sunday, May 18, marks a milestone for Danish-American football as the Nordic Storm make their European League of Football (ELF) debut against the Helvetic Mercenaries in Switzerland.
Based in Gladsaxe, Denmark, the league’s newest franchise carries sky-high expectations, fueled by a star-studded roster and a coaching staff with NFL pedigree. For a nation still carving its gridiron identity, the Storm’s inaugural game represents more than a season opener—it’s a bold step onto Europe’s biggest football stage.
Coaching pedigree meets star power
Head coach John Shoop, a former NFL offensive coordinator, anchors the Storm’s ambitious vision. His résumé, which includes mentoring Rhein Fire’s 2024 ELF championship quarterback Jadrian Clark, signals intent. Shoop’s system will lean on Clark, the 2023 ELF MVP, and 2024 MVP running back Glen Toonga—a duo that dominated with Rhein Fire before their high-profile move to Copenhagen. They headline a roster featuring nine former ELF All-Stars, including Danish center Joachim Christensen, Swedish linebacker Ludvig Myren, and ex-Vienna Vikings cornerback Exavier Edwards.
Clark’s championship blueprint
Quarterback Jadrian Clark, a three-time ELF finalist, acknowledges the challenge of molding a new team. “The talent here is undeniable,” he says, citing the Storm’s blend of Nordic prospects and elite imports. Yet he stresses that cohesion—not just skill—will define their success. “We’re building culture and habits daily. It’s not perfect, but we’re trending right.”
Chemistry remains a hurdle. With imports arriving less than two months ago, the Storm’s offensive rhythm is untested. Clark, however, praises the group’s work ethic: “Everyone’s humble, hungry, and trusting the process.” Facing the Mercenaries, he emphasizes discipline: “This game sets our identity. Execute, play for each other, and we’ll compete.”
Storm’s marquee names
Running back Glen Toonga, the 2024 ELF MVP, arrives fresh off a historic 1,576-yard, 30-touchdown season. His blend of power and agility makes him a nightmare for defenses, while his improved pass-catching adds versatility. Anchoring the line is center Joachim Christensen, a two-time ELF champion who unretired to join the Storm. His aggression and leadership will stabilize a unit protecting Clark.
Defensively, linebacker Ludvig Myren—ranked seventh in last year’s ELF MVP voting—brings sideline-to-sideline speed and a knack for turnovers. He’ll partner with cornerback Exavier Edwards, a shutdown defender with 10 career takeaways. Edwards’ versatility extends to special teams, where his return skills could swing field position.
Mercenaries’ revamped roster
The Helvetic Mercenaries, coming off a 1-11 2024 campaign, overhauled their roster and staff. New head coach Marcus Herford, architect of the Hildesheim Invaders’ surprise GFL playoff run, inherits quarterback Isaiah Weed—a dual-threat playmaker who tallied 2,553 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 700 rushing yards in 2024. Weed’s top target, ex-NFL receiver Keelan Cole, boasts 2,959 career NFL yards. Though now 32, his route-running savvy could torment defenses.
Swiss receiver Milan Player, the 2024 ELF Rookie of the Year, adds explosiveness after a 1,008-yard debut. Defensively, end De’Marco Artis (12 sacks in Finland’s 2023 season) and Danish-Serbian cornerback Marko Ilic aim to disrupt the Storm’s timing.
X-factors and key matchups
All eyes will be on Toonga versus the Mercenaries’ front seven. If Christensen’s line creates lanes, the Storm’s ground game could demoralize Switzerland’s reshuffled defense. Conversely, Weed’s mobility tests Myren’s discipline in containment. The Cole-Edwards duel looms large: if Edwards neutralizes the ex-NFL star, the Mercenaries lose their vertical threat.
For the Storm, Edwards’ punt returns and Clark’s deep-ball chemistry with Swedish receiver Theodor Landström could ignite momentum. For the Mercenaries, establishing Cole early forces the Storm to respect the pass, opening lanes for Weed’s scrambles.
Kickoff and beyond
The Nordic Storm’s ELF debut streams live on DAZN at 13:00 CET. A win would validate their offseason gambles, while a loss exposes growing pains. Either way, their June 1 home opener at Gladsaxe Stadium against the Vienna Vikings promises fireworks. As Clark notes, “We’re here to compete, not just participate.” For Danish football, Sunday is the first step toward legitimacy—or a humbling reminder of Europe’s steep hierarchy.