Berlin Thunder

Berlin Thunder

00Season 2026
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Franchise

Berlin, Germany
Est. 2021
South/East Conference

Cantianstadion

Cantianstraße 24, 10437 Berlin

earngreatness

Seasons

2026

Staff

Head Coach
Shawn Cooper
Offensive Coordinator
John Shannon
Defensive Coordinator
Raul Saavedra
General Manager
Rasheed Mokka

Contact

Oranienstraße 22, 10999 Berlin, Germany

Team Colors

©BYITZII_

Berlin Thunder sign Spanish homegrown offensive lineman Carlos España

07.05.202612:12

The Berlin Thunder have expanded their roster, signing Spanish homegrown offensive lineman Carlos España ahead of the 2026 season. España joins via the Spanish solidarity rule after spending last season with the Madrid Bravos, where he contributed as a backup on the offensive line. A young talent with room to grow At just 21 years […]

©Jennifer Menger

Berlin Thunder appoint Daniel Docal as special teams coordinator

07.05.202609:55

The Berlin Thunder continue to build out their coaching staff, announcing Daniel Docal as special teams coordinator and senior defensive assistant. Docal brings a combination of playing experience across European football and a growing coaching resume to the Thunder organization. A successful playing career in Europe Before moving into coaching, Docal had a successful career […]

©Just Shots

Berlin Thunder strengthen defensive backfield with Spanish homegrown Pablo De Diego

30.04.202616:24

The Berlin Thunder continue to build their defense, signing Spanish defensive back Pablo De Diego thanks to the Spanish solidarity rule. De Diego spent the last two seasons with the Madrid Bravos and would have continued there in 2026 had the club not paused their operations for the upcoming season. The Thunder moved quickly to […]

©Austin Rycenga

Former Berlin Thunder lineman Felix Lepper receives NFL rookie minicamp invitations

29.04.202616:55

Former Berlin Thunder offensive lineman Felix Lepper is one step closer to making his NFL dream a reality. After going undrafted in this year’s NFL Draft, Lepper has received rookie minicamp invitations from two of the league’s most prominent franchises, the New York Giants and the Kansas City Chiefs. A journey through the NFL International […]

©Federazione Italiana di American Football

E-import offensive lineman Shadrach Arthur joins the Berlin Thunder

28.04.202609:55

The Berlin Thunder continue to build out their roster, signing Italian offensive lineman Shadrach Arthur as their latest import addition. After recently strengthening their defense with the signing of British pass rusher Michael Keshinro, the Thunder have now also added depth and experience to their offensive line. A well-travelled lineman with a proven track record […]

©Stefan Tschersich

Berlin Thunder strengthen defensive front with British lineman Michael Keshinro

27.04.202615:30

The Berlin Thunder have found their next defensive addition, signing British defensive end Michael Keshinro. Keshinro brings a wealth of experience from across the globe and arrives as one of the most productive pass rushers to join the AFLE this season. Experience across multiple leagues and countries Keshinro has built his career across a variety […]

©Lukasz Skwiot

“Teachers said I’d never graduate high school”: Jon Cole on being the underdog

20.04.202613:00

Jon Cole has never been the obvious pick. The Berlin Thunder wide receiver has spent his entire career proving people wrong, from junior college in the United States to the highest level of football in Europe. In the latest episode of Inside the League, he opened up about what keeps driving him, and the hardest […]

© American Football League Europe

Tomiwa Oyewo – How an Irish running back becomes a weapon for Berlin Thunder

15.04.202615:30

Tomiwa Oyewo is not just another running back in European football, he is a pioneer. As one of the first Irish American Football players establishing himself at a professional level as a running back, the new Berlin Thunder addition brings explosiveness, resilience and a unique story into the 2026 AFLE season. For fans across Europe, […]

©Svenja Sabatini

Irish running back Tomiwa Oyewo joins the Berlin Thunder

14.04.202610:11

The Berlin Thunder are continuing to shape their offensive roster. The Thunder have announced the signing of Irish running back Tomiwa Oyewo, adding another exciting piece to their backfield ahead of the 2026 season. A reunion with a familiar face Oyewo is not the only running back joining the Thunder from Stuttgart. Just like previously […]

©tobiasfotowelt

Berlin Thunder sign British offensive lineman Deon Mutsvanemoto

04.04.202610:58

The Berlin Thunder have announced their latest roster addition, signing experienced offensive lineman Deon Mutsvanemoto ahead of the 2026 season. Mutsvanemoto brings a strong track record and valuable experience to the Thunder’s offensive line. Experience across European football Mutsvanemoto has built his career at several levels of European football. Most recently he played for the […]

©Remy Issaly

Berlin Thunder strengthen defensive backfield with Felix Proulx

03.04.202610:30

The Berlin Thunder have found their next defensive addition, signing Italian defensive back Felix Proulx ahead of the 2026 season. Proulx joins a defensive backfield that is quickly becoming one of the most talented in the league. A well-travelled career with silverware Proulx has played for a number of clubs throughout his career, gaining experience […]

©Just Shots

Spanish defensive back Andy Vera joins the Berlin Thunder

01.04.202610:52

The Berlin Thunder have found their first Spanish homegrown player, signing defensive back Andy Vera ahead of the 2026 season. Vera brings five years of European football experience and a proven track record in the secondary. The Spanish solidarity rule Vera’s signing is made possible by the Spanish solidarity rule, which allows every AFLE franchise […]

©American Football League Europe

American Football League Europe announces Homegrown territories for the first season

30.03.202615:00

As the American Football League Europe prepares for its first season, the league officially announces the Homegrown territories for the franchises that have confirmed participation so far. This announcement provides clarity and support for local talent development as each team builds its roster for competition. What is a Homegrown player? In the AFLE, a Homegrown […]

©Hannes Jirgal

Veteran coach John Shannon joins Berlin Thunder as offensive coordinator

28.03.202609:21

The Berlin Thunder have found their offensive coordinator for the upcoming season. The team signed 71-year-old American coach John Shannon, who brings decades of coaching experience to the franchise. A long coaching career in the United States Shannon has worked at many levels of American football. He was offensive coordinator at Marshall and Toledo University, […]

©Tobias Fritz

British wide receiver Lewis Kirby signs with Berlin Thunder

25.03.202617:47

The Berlin Thunder continue to shape their wide receiver group with the signing of British wide receiver Lewis Kirby. He joins the team as an E-import and will be an important target for quarterback Jakeb Sullivan. Strong season in Germany Kirby played last season for the New Yorker Lions Braunschweig, where he impressed with strong […]

©Saskatchewan Roughriders

Canadian defensive Back Kosi Onyeka believes “Berlin deserves a championship”

23.03.202616:25

The Berlin Thunder continue to strengthen their roster ahead of the upcoming American Football League Europe season, adding Canadian defensive back Kosi Onyeka to their secondary. With experience from Canadian college football and the CFL, Onyeka arrives in Europe for the first time. For Onyeka, the move is more than just a career step. It […]

©Lukasz Skwiot

American wide receiver Jon Cole strengthens Berlin Thunder offense

21.03.202609:49

The Berlin Thunder have signed their final American player for the roster with wide receiver Jon Cole. Cole joins the team after an impressive stint in the European League of Football (ELF), where he played for the Fehérvár Enthroners. Strong season in the ELF Cole made a big impact with the Enthroners and was named […]

©Gabby Ricciardi / Rutgers Athletics

Berlin Thunder sign former Rutgers defensive back Kessawn Abraham

17.03.202615:06

Berlin Thunder have strengthened their defense by signing American defensive back Kessawn Abraham. With this move, Abraham becomes the second American defensive player and the second A-import on the Thunder roster. College career at Rutgers Abraham played college football at Rutgers University, where he spent five seasons developing as a defensive back. During his time […]

©Saskatchewan Roughriders

Canadian defensive back Kosi Onyeka joins Berlin Thunder

11.03.202609:55

Berlin Thunder have filled their international roster spot with the signing of Canadian defensive back Kosi Onyeka. The Canadian defender will join American defensive back Will Johnson to form a strong and physical secondary for the Thunder. With experience from Canadian college football and the Canadian Football League, Onyeka brings valuable professional experience to the […]

©Foot Bowl / Just Shots

“I’m excited to have Berlin on my chest again” – Jakeb Sullivan prepares to lead Thunder offense in 2026

08.03.202615:25

Berlin Thunder quarterback Jakeb Sullivan is preparing for another important season as the team enters the inaugural year of the American Football League Europe. With several years of experience at the highest level of European football, Sullivan is ready to lead the Thunder offense once again and help guide the team through a new chapter. […]

©Just Shots

Berlin Thunder sign running back Joshua Jacob and defensive lineman Patrik Schorn

07.03.202613:55

Berlin Thunder continue building their roster for the 2026 season and have announced two new additions to the team. Running back Joshua Jacob and defensive lineman Patrik Schorn will strengthen the Thunder on both sides of the ball. Both players bring valuable experience from European professional football and add depth to the roster as the […]

©Eric Mühle

Veteran defensive back Joshua Poznanski stays with Berlin Thunder

04.03.202615:30

Berlin Thunder have secured an important player for their defensive backfield. Veteran defensive back Joshua Poznanski will remain part of the Thunder defense for the upcoming season. The 30-year-old defender brings a lot of experience to the team and has been a reliable presence in the secondary throughout his career. Proven experience in European football […]

©Jonas Wicker

Berlin Thunder sign running back Simon Homadi

03.03.202609:30

Berlin Thunder continue to build their roster for the upcoming season with the signing of running back Simon Homadi. The Berlin franchise adds a player with five years of experience in European professional football. Homadi brings both experience and proven production to the Thunder backfield as the team continues its roster planning. Five seasons of […]

©Daniel Ximenes

Berlin Thunder HC Shawn Cooper: “I want Berlin Thunder to represent something bigger”

01.03.202615:30

Berlin Thunder are entering the 2026 season with a clear vision in European American Football. With Shawn Cooper taking over as head coach and moving to the American Football League Europe, the franchise is reshaping its identity around culture, competitiveness and long-term success. Cooper’s early statements leave no doubt: this is about building something sustainable […]

©David Richard

Berlin Thunder add former NFL player Michael Sam to Coaching Staff

26.02.202616:25

The Berlin Thunder continue to build their coaching staff for their first season in the American Football League Europe. With the addition of Michael Sam, the franchise brings in a former NFL player who has competed at the highest level of the sport. Experience from the NFL Draft to International Football Michael Sam entered the 2014 […]

©Eric Mühle

Berlin Thunder bring back Kyle Kitchens as defensive analyst

25.02.202612:00

After announcing their new Head Coach Shawn Cooper and Defensive Coordinator Raúl Saavedra, Berlin Thunder have added another member to their coaching staff. Former Thunder player Kyle Kitchens returns to the organization, this time taking on the role of defensive analyst. With this move, the team brings in a familiar face who knows the club […]

©Eric Mühle

Jakeb Sullivan remains QB1 of the Berlin Thunder

24.02.202619:37

Berlin Thunder have confirmed their starting quarterback for the first season in the American Football League Europe. Jakeb Sullivan will continue to lead the offense after already spending the past two seasons with the team. The experienced quarterback has been a central figure in the Thunder offense and will once again take on the QB1 […]

©Petra Kutasi

Berlin Thunder appoint Raúl Saavedra as defensive coordinator

19.02.202616:57

After signing head coach Shawn Cooper, Berlin Thunder have now announced their defensive coordinator for the upcoming season. Raúl Saavedra will lead the Berlin defense and take responsibility for building a strong unit on that side of the ball. Following Shawn Cooper to Berlin Saavedra already worked in European football and now follows Shawn Cooper […]

©Anthony Montgomery

Berlin Thunder add defensive back Will Johnson III

19.02.202613:50

Berlin Thunder have announced their first American signing for the upcoming the American Football League Europe season with the addition of defensive back Will Johnson III. College career and development Johnson began his college football career at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina, where he spent two seasons and appeared in a total of 18 […]

©Svenja Sabatini

Berlin Thunder sign running back Kai Hunter

18.02.202615:00

After announcing their new head coach Shawn Cooper, Berlin Thunder have now added another offensive piece by signing German running back Kai Hunter. Strong season in Stuttgart Hunter drew attention last season as part of a productive running back duo with Tomiwa Oyewo in Stuttgart. With his speed and physical running style, he played an […]

©Daniel Ximenes

Berlin Thunder appoint Shawn Cooper as new head coach

17.02.202618:19

The Berlin Thunder have found their new head coach in Shawn Cooper. He will lead the team into their first the American Football League Europe season and bring both college and European football experience to the sideline. Strong background in college football Cooper brings an impressive résumé from the NAIA college football level. He spent […]