Stuttgart Surge – Hardcore D-fence or “You can’t get in here!”

The Stuttgart Surge have continued to bolster their defensive line for the 2025 season, adding some notable additions. Here are some of the latest developments and players who will support the team in the upcoming season:

Simon Butsch, who initially toyed with the idea of retiring, has decided to stay on for another season. With his passion for the game and the goal of bringing home a championship, the 32-year-old veteran brings plenty of experience to the table. He has been with Stuttgart since 2023 and has already won several German Bowls and CEFL titles. Raphael Zistler also remains a central pillar of the defensive line. At 193 cm tall and 136 kg, the former Schwäbisch Hall Unicorn and Karlsruhe Engineers player has already played two seasons with the Surge and received international recognition through invitations to the NFL and CFL International Combines

Alexander Kress is another familiar face returning. After 26 games in the last two seasons and solid defensive performances, the 30-year-old is ready for another season in Stuttgart. Sadik Busch, who joined the team last season, has extended his contract after a strong debut year in which he recorded several tackles for loss of space and sacks. Determined to leave a lasting legacy in Stuttgart, the young defensive lineman is ready to take the next step. Maximilian Dommermuth, with the Surge since 2023, is also returning. His motivation comes from the belief that the team is on the right track and capable of achieving great things.

Leander Strathmann, who joined Stuttgart last year after playing in Canada and the USA, brings additional depth to the defensive unit. With experience with the Concordia Stingers and New Mexico Military Institute, he believes the team has yet to reach its full potential and is excited for what lies ahead. The Surge has also secured the return of Chris Mulumba, a player with an impressive international football career. The Finnish defensive lineman played NCAA Division I football at the University of Colorado, was part of the 2020 NFL International Pathway Program and spent three seasons in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. His physicality and experience will be crucial to leading the defensive front

In addition to the returnees, there are also some notable newcomers. Dominic Siegel, who comes from the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, brings championship experience and tireless commitment. He won the 2022 ELF Championship with the Vienna Vikings and the German Bowl with the New Yorker Lions. Another big name is Berend Grube, a proven force in the ELF. With over 45 league games and a reputation for being one of the most dominant linemen, Grube was an ELF All-Star in 2021 and ranked in the league’s top 100 in 2023. Robert Lachmann, the former NCAA Division II Defensive Player of the Year who played college football in the USA before returning to Europe, also joins the Surge’s defensive line. With his ability to put pressure on the quarterback, he will be a disruptive force in Stuttgart’s defense

With a mix of experienced leadership, young rising stars and internationally recognized talent, the Stuttgart Surge has built a defensive line capable of dominating the European League of Football. The team has one goal in mind: to bring home the championship. With a strong core and key reinforcements, Stuttgart is ready to take on the best offenses in the league and establish themselves as one of the toughest defenses in 2025

Here is a list of the players currently on the Stuttgart Surge’s defensive line for the 2025 season:

1. Simon Butsch – Experienced veteran who has been with Stuttgart since 2023 and has won several German Bowls and CEFL titles.
2. Raphael Zistler – Former Schwäbisch Hall Unicorn and Karlsruhe Engineers player with international recognition.
3. Alexander Kress – Has played in 26 games over the last two seasons and will return for another season.
4. Sadik Busch – Extended his contract after a strong debut season with multiple tackles for loss and sacks.
5. Maximilian Dommermuth – Joined the Surge in 2023 and believes that the team is on the right track.
6. Leander Strathmann – Previously played in Canada and the USA and brings additional depth to the defensive unit.
7. Chris Mulumba – Finnish defensive lineman with experience in NCAA Division I, NFL International Pathway Program and CFL.
8. Dominic Siegel – new arrival from the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns with championship experience.
9. Berend Grube – Proven force in the ELF with over 45 league games and All-Star honors.
10. Robert Lachmann – Former NCAA Division II Defensive Player of the Year who most recently played for the Hamburg Sea Devils and Tirol Raiders.
11. Darko Pisaric – Experienced defensive lineman who, despite his age of 41, is still hungry and wants to share his experience with his younger teammates.
12. Phillip Ungericht – The team’s leading tackler from last season who plays an important role on the defensive line.

These players bring an impressive blend of experience, talent and determination that make the Stuttgart Surge one of the strongest defenses in the European League of Football. We look forward to following their performances in the coming season and keeping you close to the action with our pictures and perspectives.