Wroclaw Panthers’ 2025 ELF campaign ends with promise but no playoffs

The Wroclaw Panthers concluded a challenging 2025 European League of Football season with a 5-7 record, falling short of their postseason aspirations despite showcasing one of the league’s most dynamic offensive weapons and a record-breaking individual performance.

A historic rushing attack
The undeniable bright spot for Wroclaw was their excellent ground game, which ranked fifth in the ELF. The offense was electrified by quarterback DJ Irons Jr., who became the first quarterback in league history to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. His dual-threat capability was the engine of the Panthers’ attack, as he finished as the league’s third-leading rusher with 1,023 yards and 11 touchdowns while also ranking as the sixth-leading passer (2,412 yards/24 TDs). This historic production, combined with the efforts of homegrown talent Dawid Brzozowski (770 yards/12 TDs), gave the team a formidable two-man rushing attack. Through the air, receiver Darrell Stewart Jr. was a premier weapon, ranking fourth in the ELF with 89 catches for 1,098 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Defensive efforts and inconsistencies
On the other side of the ball, the defense was a tale of two units. Linebacker AJ Wentland was a relentless tackling machine, leading the entire ELF with a remarkable 144 total tackles and anchoring a rush defense that remained a team strength. However, the unit struggled with consistency, ranking a middling eighth in total yards allowed. The pass defense was a particular and persistent area of concern, finishing tenth in the league. This vulnerability, combined with an offensive line that allowed the second-most sacks, often left the team playing from behind and prevented Wroclaw from closing out tight games against the league’s elite opponents.

Looking toward 2026
With key players like Irons Jr. and Wentland already confirmed to return, the Panthers have a stellar core in place to build upon. The offseason focus will be multifaceted: shoring up the secondary is the paramount concern, but improving pass protection to safeguard Irons and finding a more balanced offensive attack are also critical priorities. The goal for the franchise is clear: build a more complete and balanced team capable of consistently competing with the ELF’s top franchises and securing a return to the playoffs.