| # | |
|---|---|
| Name | Andrew John Coons |
| Nationality |  United States |
| Position | Wide Receiver |
| Height | 193cm |
| Weight | 95kg |
| Current Team | Pforzheim Wilddogs |
| Leagues | German Football League |
| Seasons | 2026 |
| Age | 25 |
Andrew “AJ” Coons is a physical and highly dependable Wide Receiver from Solon, Iowa, who is set to embark on his first European football adventure with the Pforzheim Wilddogs for the 2026 German Football League (GFL) season. Standing at 6-4 (193 cm) and weighing 220 pounds (95 kg), Coons brings a formidable presence and a championship pedigree to the GFL. Known for his sure hands and impressive contested catch capability, he profiles as a reliable target who excels at turning 50/50 balls into successful receptions, making him a crucial addition to the Wilddogs’ offense as they continue their ascent in the GFL. His collegiate career, which included an FCS National Championship title, prepared him to be an immediate impact player in the European game. Coons joins Pforzheim as a seasoned athlete ready to contribute his versatility and a team-first mentality to help the club advance further into the playoffs.
Credits
- Pforzheim Wilddogs bolster roster with AJ Coons for 2026 GFL season – Portal do Holanda (Source 2.1)
- AJ Coons schließt sich 2026 den Pforzheim Wilddogs an – Foot Bowl (Source 2.2)
- Pforzheim Wilddogs add WR AJ Coons for 2026 German Football League campaign – American Football International (Source 2.3)
- Quarterback Veteran wechselt von der ELF in die ErimaGFL – Foot Bowl (Source 2.4)
Previous stations
- Solon High School (Solon, Iowa, USA)
- South Dakota State (NCAA Division I FCS, USA)
- Western Illinois (NCAA Division I FCS, USA)
- South Dakota (NCAA Division I FCS, USA)
- Pforzheim Wilddogs (GFL, Germany) – Starting 2026 Season
Achievements
Team Achievements
- FCS National Champion with South Dakota State (2022)
Selected Statistics
- Over his collegiate career, he accumulated 511 total receiving yards.
- He recorded two receiving touchdowns during his college tenure.
- He was on the field for more than 1,000 offensive snaps during his college career.
- His Pro Day results included a 40-yard dash time of 4.59 seconds.
- He achieved a 35-inch vertical leap during his Pro Day performance.
Other
- Full Name/Nickname: His full name is Andrew John Coons, and he is often referred to as AJ Coons.
- Family Background: Coons grew up in a family where football was a significant part of life. His father has been a High-School Coach for years, and his older brother also played college football. Coons noted, “Football is in my blood.”
- Motivation for Europe: Following his final college year, Coons felt he still had “energy in the tank” and his football career was not over. Discussions with former teammates, including Frankfurt Galaxy Lineman Dimi Gkountoudis, introduced him to the European football market.
- Recruitment: The contact with the Pforzheim Wilddogs began via the EuroPlayers platform. In an unusual and personal turn, Coons met one of the Pforzheim coaches in person in his college town in South Dakota, where German coaches regularly visit the college team.
- Club Choice: He was convinced by the atmosphere and tone in Pforzheim, with the familial character of the club being a decisive factor. He stated that in the recruiting process, “They felt like a family and are rapidly moving up in the GFL.”
- Player Profile: He is explicitly described as a physical, reliable receiver who is not a “flashy deep threat,” but rather one who prides himself on winning contested catches.
- Goals: Coons aims to help the Wilddogs advance further into the playoffs and compete for a GFL Bowl appearance.
