American Football League Europe Appoints Mark Gorscak as Director of Player Personnel
The American Football League Europe (AFLE) is proud to announce the appointment of Mark Gorscak as the league’s first Director of Player Personnel, a newly created role that marks the first position of its kind outside the United States and Canada. In this role, Gorscak will lead AFLE’s scouting operations, bringing player talent into the league and helping the players in the AFLE to take the next step toward the NFL and other leagues.
Leading AFLE’s Scouting Operations
As Director of Player Personnel, Gorscak’s work will begin with a close review of rosters and team needs across the league, identifying where competitive balance can be strengthened. From there, he will focus on identifying talent that can grow AFLE’s player pool, working with clubs throughout the season to flag prospects and support roster needs. He will also work to develop that talent once in the league, helping players with the ability to make the leap to the NFL. Additionally, he will serve as the head of AFLE’s combines, held at locations across Europe in the years ahead.
Nearly Three Decades of NFL Scouting Experience
Gorscak brings nearly three decades of NFL scouting experience to his new role. He served as a highly respected area scout for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 28 years before retiring in mid-2023, having originally joined the club’s scouting department in 1995. During his tenure covering the United States with a focus on the South, he was part of the Steelers’ front office for four Super Bowl appearances, winning Super Bowl XL and Super Bowl XLIII.
Gorscak is also widely recognized as the official 40-yard dash starter and timer at the annual NFL Scouting Combine, where he became an iconic and familiar on-field figure for his role in managing transitions and starting the 40-yard dash. In recognition of his long career, he was awarded the C.O. Brocato Memorial Award for Lifetime Service to NFL Scouting in 2022. Since officially retiring from full-time scouting in June 2023, Gorscak has worked with the Senior Bowl and continues to assist the scouting community.
Jim Tomsula, President of the AFLE, said: “Mark brings a level of expertise and credibility to our league that is hard to find anywhere outside the NFL. Creating this position, and bringing in someone with his background, shows how serious we are about building real pathways for our players. Mark’s eye for talent and his standing across NFL scouting circles make him exactly the right person to lead this effort. This appointment underlines our commitment to continuously raising the level of play and increasing competitive balance across our league, while always putting our players first.”
Mark Gorscak, Director of Player Personnel of the AFLE, added: “I’ve spent my career looking for players who have what it takes to compete at the highest level of American football, and I see that same potential in players across Europe. Football has given me an incredible career, and this is my chance to give something back to the game. My job is simple: helping to build a sustainable league, find the talent, help it develop, and be the bridge that gets these players seen – at no cost to them.”
