Raiders Tirol replace Christian Strong with Morningside University alumnus Joe Dolincheck

| American Football | 08/01/2023

The Raiders Tirol of the European League of Football (ELF) have found a replacement for quarterback Christian Strong in Morningside University (NAIA) alumnus and three-time NAIA National Champion, Joe Dolincheck.

During his five-year career at Morningside, the 6 ‘1, 200 pound Dolincheck threw for 16,219 yards (most yards in NAIA history) and 167 touchdowns (most in college football history) with a 68.3% cmp. For his efforts, Dolincheck was awarded 3x All-American, 4x All-Conference in addition to being named NAIA National Player of the Year.

Dolincheck is joining the Raiders at a somewhat tumultuous time. One week ago, quarterback Christian Strong was released from the team despite leading them to a 6–2 record, ranking third in the league in both passing yards and touchdowns.

His untimely release will have undoubtedly sent shockwaves through the team as they will have to adjust to a new quarterback both on and off the field. In addition to this, long-time teammate Jarvis McClam voluntarily left the team after the announcement in a show of unprecedented loyalty, leaving the Raiders without their number one offensive threat. 

This will be the 23-year-old’s first stint with a European team but will have a familiar face by his side in defensive end Niklas Gustav. The now 27-year old German also played for Morningside between 2019–21, and eventually signed with the BC Lions in the CFL during the 2021 season before coming back to the ELF in last year.

Daniel Mackenzie is a Press Association graduate who works in journalism and communications in the third sector. Daniel began playing football for the London Warriors and Team Great Britain and has since played across Europe.