| # | 78 |
|---|---|
| Name | Benhur Ayra |
| Nationality |  Germany |
| Position | Offensive Line |
| Height | 195cm |
| Weight | 169kg |
| Current Team | Pforzheim Wilddogs |
| Past Teams | New Yorker Lions, Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, Stuttgart Surge |
| Leagues | European League of Football, German Football League |
| Seasons | 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 |
| Age | 32 |
Benhur Ayra is one of the most physically imposing and decorated offensive linemen in German football history. Known for his tremendous mass and strength, he has anchored the line for multiple top-tier clubs in both the GFL and the European League of Football (ELF). Ayra’s career is marked by championship success, culminating in his role with the Stuttgart Surge, where he achieved the franchise’s first-ever title by winning the 2025 ELF Championship Game. Having won the German Bowl twice, his 2025 victory secured his status as a triple champion across two major leagues. As a veteran leader with a tenacious mindset, his reported move to the Pforzheim Wilddogs for the 2026 season brings a rare blend of championship experience and elite physicality to the GFL 2 level.
Previous stations
- Stuttgart Scorpions Youth (2011–2012)
- Stuttgart Scorpions (GFL, 2013–2017)
- New Yorker Lions (GFL, 2018–2021)
- Stuttgart Surge (European League of Football – ELF, 2022 – partial season)
- Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns (GFL, 2022 – remainder of season)
- Stuttgart Surge (European League of Football – ELF, 2023–2025)
- Pforzheim Wilddogs (GFL 2, 2026–Present – Reported)
Achievements
Team Achievements
- Eurobowl Champion with the New Yorker Lions (2018).
- German Bowl Champion with the New Yorker Lions (2019).
- German Bowl Champion with the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns (2022).
- ELF Champion with the Stuttgart Surge (2025).
Personal Achievements
- GFL North All-Star Team Selection (2018).
- Recognized as one of the heaviest and most powerful offensive linemen in the European League of Football (ELF).
- Served as a Team Captain for the Stuttgart Surge.
Selected Statistics
- Consistently held a starting role at the Offensive Guard position for championship-contending teams throughout his GFL and ELF career.
- Helped anchor the offensive line for the Stuttgart Surge during the 2025 season that led to the ELF Championship victory.
- As a prominent Guard, his blocking helped the New Yorker Lions maintain one of the most dominant running games in the GFL during the 2018–2019 seasons.
Other
- Professional Background: Ayra completed his studies in Social Work at the University of Kassel.
- The Mid-Season Move: In 2022, he parted ways with the Surge mid-season and joined the Schwäbisch Hall Unicorns, ultimately winning the German Bowl that year, earning his second German championship ring.
- Championship Mindset: Upon re-signing with Surge for 2023, he stated his clear objective: “I’m eager to put Stuttgart back on the European football map again and finish what we started last season,” a goal he successfully realized in 2025.
- Coaching Role: He utilized his time in Braunschweig to give back, coaching the local Flag Football team in 2020.
- YouTube Content: The European League of Football features highlights of the 2025 Championship Game, where Ayra helped anchor the line.
Credits
- https://europeanleague.football/news/stuttgart-surge-sign-massive-offensive-lineman-benhur-ayra-1711
- https://www.stuttgartsurge.com/offensive-lineman-benhur-ayra-ist-zurueck-bei-stuttgart-surge/
- https://footbowl.eu/stuttgart-surge/benhur-ayra/
- https://www.ran.de/sports/american-football/european-league-of-football/news/european-league-of-football-stuttgart-surge-verpflichten-offensive-lineman-benhur-ayra-126995
- https://europeanleague.football/news/we-took-control-today-surge-s-defense-shines-in-title-win-3938 (Confirmation of 2025 Championship)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWbQeWUBo9U (2025 Championship Game Highlights)
