The NFL is experiencing a major boom and the Cincinnati Bengals are right in the middle of it. With a record nine international games set to be played outside the United States in 2026, the league is expanding its reach like never before. And nowhere is this expansion more evident than in Europe, with countries like London, Germany, Spain, and France all eagerly embracing the sport.
One player who is taking full advantage of this international growth is former Cincinnati Bengals UDFA (undrafted free agent) Jordan Franks. After spending two seasons with the Bengals, Franks has now taken his game to Germany, where he is playing for the Frankfurt Galaxy in the European League of Football (ELF).
Franks, a tight end, was signed by the Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He spent two seasons with the team, appearing in 11 games and recording 3 receptions for 37 yards. However, when the opportunity arose to play in Germany, Franks jumped at the chance.
And it’s not just about playing football for Franks. He sees this as an opportunity to grow the sport and help it gain a foothold in Europe. In an interview with Heavy Sports, Franks said, “I want to help grow the game of football in Europe and show them what American football is all about. I want to be a part of the movement that brings the sport to new heights in this part of the world.”
Franks is not alone in his mission. The ELF, which was founded in 2020, is determined to establish American football as a major sport in Europe. With eight teams from six different countries, the league is already making waves and attracting top talent from around the world.
The Frankfurt Galaxy, Franks’ team, is one of the most successful teams in the league. They have won two of the three ELF championships so far and are looking to continue their dominance in the upcoming season. And with Franks on their roster, they have a strong chance of achieving that goal.
Franks has quickly become a key player for the Galaxy, impressing coaches and fans alike with his athleticism and skill on the field. In his first game with the team, he caught a touchdown pass and helped lead the Galaxy to a 48-0 victory over the Barcelona Dragons.
But it’s not just about the game itself for Franks. He is also embracing the opportunity to experience a new culture and connect with fans from different backgrounds. “It’s been an amazing experience so far,” Franks said. “The fans here are so passionate about the sport and it’s great to see how much they love it. I’m learning so much from my teammates and coaches, both on and off the field.”
Franks’ journey to Germany is just one example of the growing popularity of American football in Europe. The NFL has been playing regular season games in London since 2007 and has seen a huge increase in fan interest and support. In fact, the NFL has announced that it will be playing four games in London and one in Mexico City in the 2021 season.
But it’s not just about the NFL. The ELF is also making a significant impact, with plans to expand to 24 teams in the near future. And with the addition of top players like Franks, the league is sure to continue its upward trajectory.
So, as the NFL continues to expand its reach and the ELF gains momentum, it’s clear that American football is here to stay in Europe. And players like Jordan Franks are leading the way, bringing their passion and talent to a whole new audience. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll see a European team competing in the Super Bowl. The possibilities are endless and the future looks bright for American football in Europe.