The Vienna Vikings are working on the dream team

Football has been on hold in Austria for some time. Not but Chris Calaycay, Coach der Vienna Vikings. He has been busy crafting in the last few weeks. But not Christmas tree decorations, but on the squad for the new season. There is good news just in time for Christmas. With Yannick Mayr They were able to sign one of the most sought-after ball catchers in the European League of Football (ELF). We have to do this with you Benjamin Straight and Florian Bierbaumer two more top European players have been extended to the Vikings. The Viennese are on the verge of putting together a true dream team.

While the Vikings fans can look forward to the “gifts”, the competitors have to dress warmly. The Vikings want to get back to the ELF throne, with the two extensions and the new signing they have made a statement. Coach Calaycay is particularly pleased that all three players grew up with the Vikings. “Our top players are now the top players in Europe. I know that the three of them had more lucrative offers. But we are a special franchise. The goal is of course the title.”

After the final defeat last season, this should be successful again in 2025 – Mayr, Straight and Bierbaumer are “very important building blocks”.

Yannick Mayr (28, Wide Receiver): The Salzburg player played in Vienna from 2017 to 2020 and most recently caught the ball in Stuttgart. He never lost sight of the Vikings. “The final – semi-final – final balance speaks for itself and shows what the franchise has achieved in Vienna. I’m happy to be back and fight for the title.” Coach Calaycay: “Yannick is speed. He is one of the fastest players in the ELF.”

Benjamin Straight (25, Defensive Back): Born in the USA, raised in Austria, it’s hard to imagine the Vikings defense without him. Why does Straight stay despite good offers? “For me it’s about experiencing cool moments. And I see myself in the finals more with the Vikings than any other team. This is worth 10,000 times more than money I would have gotten anywhere else.”

Florian Bierbaumer (26, Tight End): A year ago, the Styrian was able to get a taste of the NFL as part of the IPP program. Even though it wasn’t enough for the strongest league in the world (yet), he says: “The experience has helped me to become better as a person and as an athlete.” Why did he extend his contract with the Vikings? “I feel more at home in Vienna than in Graz anyway.”