Raiders Tirol: Christian Strong follows Sean Shelton as quarterback
As the Raiders Tirol have announced, Canadian Christian Strong will be the new starting quarterback. Strong comes from the Cologne Crocodiles, where he was twice voted German Football League MVP and threw 70 touchdown passes in both seasons. Strong succeeds Sean Shelton who retired.
INNSBRUCK. The Raiders Tirol put an immediate Christmas present under the Christmas tree for their fans. The new quarterback has been found in 27-year-old Christian Strong. After Sean Shelton’s retirement at the end of last season, the position of quarterback was vacant. “I’m honored to have the opportunity and good fortune to be the next quarterback for the Raiders in the European League of Football. I will give the whole team, the organization and the fans my best every day – through hard work and dedication, a positive attitude and the absolute will to do whatever it takes to win!” Strong introduces himself.
man the record
Christian Strong began his career in his native Canada with the Brampton Bulldogs before moving to Countryside High School with the Cougars in Florida in 2012. In 2013 he moved to Seton Hill University, where he played with the Griffins at the NCAA Division II level. From 2014 to 2017, he set all of the college records that stand to this day: 9,395 passing yards for 62 touchdowns, including 145 rushing yards for two scores. After a stint in Australia, he came to Germany to the Düsseldorf Panthers, where he threw 2,100 passing yards and 12 touchdowns in ten games. Starker Krieg also intended as an ELF quarterback for the Lower Saxony Knights before the team decides against participating in the European Football League. Since 2021, the Canadian has been involved with the Cologne Crocodiles, where he was voted GFL1 All Star in both seasons. In two seasons, Strong had 6,850 passing yards and 70 passing touchdowns with seven rushing scores. Now comes the step to the Raiders.
No ELF experience so far
“I’m looking forward to a great year and want to Coach Herron and Coach Callahan thank you for recruiting me. I would also like to let the whole organization know that they welcome me! I’m honored to be the first Canadian QB in the European League of Football; I can’t wait to get started GO RAIDERS!” declares Strong.
Head Coach Kevin Herron on his new quarterback: “It’s a great pleasure to have Chris on the team. He’ll fit in here very well and has that so-called “chip on his shoulder” that all Raiders from last season carry with them into the new one. Christian has a very high understanding of the game – that of a coach. He will and will work harder than everyone else. All of that coupled with the talent he possesses is a recipe for success. He is fully aware of the footsteps he is following and he is convinced that he will live up to them. I am absolutely certain that with him as the team’s offense conductor and leader, we will win many games. Our fans can look forward to it. Welcome to the Raiders, Chris!”
Read more news from Innsbruck here.
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