Tim Meyer is a Duluth architect and community builder. Reach him at tim.meyer@meyergroupduluth.com
A growing professional football league in Europe is drawing attention from American fans, and several of its most prominent figures have strong Minnesota ties.
The European League of Football, which has emerged as the continent's leading professional American football league following the demise of NFL Europe, continues to expand its reach with franchises across several countries. Among its most recognizable stars are quarterback Zach Edwards, a former College of St. Scholastica standout from St. Paul, and veteran NFL coach Jack Del Rio, now associated with the Paris Musketeers.
Edwards, known throughout Europe as "Magic Zach," has become one of the league's most accomplished quarterbacks. The former Division III player has built a reputation as a prolific passer and playmaker during stops with the Barcelona Dragons and Paris Musketeers.
Despite receiving little NFL attention after his college career, Edwards found opportunity overseas and flourished. He ranks among the European league's all-time passing leaders and was named Offensive Player of the Year in 2024 after one of the most productive seasons in league history.
After stepping away from football in 2025 for personal reasons, Edwards returned to the Musketeers for the 2026 season. During his time away from professional football, he worked as a varsity offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St. Paul.
The Musketeers also feature one of the most recognizable coaching names in football.
Del Rio, a former All-American linebacker at the University of Southern California and former NFL head coach, joined the Paris organization in 2025. His coaching résumé includes head coaching stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders, along with assistant coaching positions for the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Denver Broncos and Washington Commanders.
Del Rio also spent four seasons as a linebacker with the Minnesota Vikings during a 10-year NFL playing career.
His arrival in Europe was viewed as a significant moment for the league, bringing more than three decades of NFL playing and coaching experience to the continent. Under Del Rio's leadership, the Musketeers have developed a reputation for disciplined defensive play, professional preparation and player development.
Other Minnesota connections can be found throughout European football.
Linebacker Toby Naylor, a former player at University of Minnesota Duluth, has competed with the Frankfurt Galaxy. Former Vikings draft pick Moritz Böhringer has continued his career in Europe with the Stuttgart Surge.
For American viewers, one of the most striking aspects of European football is the atmosphere surrounding games. Borrowing heavily from European soccer traditions, teams regularly incorporate national flags, national anthems and patriotic pregame ceremonies. The displays of national identity often create a distinctly different environment from what fans typically experience at professional sporting events in the United States.
As the sport continues to grow overseas, figures such as Edwards and Del Rio provide evidence that Minnesota's influence on football extends far beyond the state's borders.
