Paris Lights Bring Back Defensive Anchor Willem Dendelé
The Paris Lights continue to build their 2027 roster by securing another key homegrown talent. Defensive tackle Willem Dendelé returns for a second season in Paris, bringing back one of the most disruptive presences on the defensive line.
A Force in the Trenches
Dendelé was one of the standout performers in the Paris Lights’ inaugural AFLE season, delivering consistent impact week after week across all 12 games. His final numbers told the story: 36 tackles, 5.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss and two pass deflections. His sack total placed him joint seventh in the entire league, while his nine tackles for loss made him joint third, putting him among the most disruptive interior defenders in European football.
Recognition at the Highest Level
Dendelé’s performances did not go unnoticed. He received a nomination for the Most Improved Defensive Player of the Year award at the AFLE Honors 2026, a recognition that reflected just how much he had grown over the course of the season and the impact he had on games every time he stepped on the field.
Keeping the Core Together
With Larose and Dendelé now confirmed for 2027, the Paris Lights are making a clear statement about their approach to roster building. Rather than starting over, they are building around the players who showed what they could do in year one. For a team looking to take the next step after a difficult debut season, keeping proven homegrown talent is exactly the right foundation to build from.
