The Rhein Fire of the American Football League Europe (AFLE) have signed veteran defensive back Justin Howell, adding experienced secondary depth as they pursue a third consecutive ELF championship.
Howell brings CFL experience to Düsseldorf
The 32-year-old Canadian defender spent seven seasons with the Ottawa Redblacks, appearing in six games during the 2025 CFL season and recording eight defensive tackles. Over his career, the 5’11”, 198-pound defensive back compiled 115 defensive tackles, 31 special teams tackles, five forced fumbles, and one sack. Originally a seventh-round pick by Ottawa in the 2018 CFL Draft out of Carleton University, Howell became a free agent last month following the expiration of his contract.
Veteran presence for a championship squad
The Fire, based in Düsseldorf, established themselves as a powerhouse in the now defunct ELF, boasting a 38–10 record since their inception and winning back-to-back league titles in 2023 and 2024.