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You know about Andrew Robinson's European travails. The former Orange ran roughshod over Germany and now plies his trade in sunny Barcelona where he's more popular than Lionel Messi (maybe).
Given his success, you have to draw a specific conclusion. Syracuse quarterbacks dominate American Football in Europe. And that's probably why Perry Patterson has picked up the torch and run with it.
Back in February, Patterson signed with the Zurich Renegades of the Swiss American Football League.
The SAFL consists of sixteen teams, some of whom have curiously-familiar logos and names (I'm looking at you, ATFA Lakers, Bienna Jets, Calanda Broncos and Geneva Seahawks). Personally I think the Midland Bouncers. They have a great mascot, "Didn't Achieve What He Wanted In Life So Now He Takes It Out On Everyone Else Pete." Pete's great.
As for the Renegades, they go way back. And I will rely on this translation from their Facebook page to guide me:
The Zurich Renegades were founded in 1983 and is the oldest existing American football club in Switzerland. Since the resurgence in the NLA in 1990, Zurich Renegades play continuously in the top flight in Switzerland. After 5 championships since 2000, the Zurich Renegades with a total of 7 titles Swiss record.
So if I parsed that correctly, I think they're pretty good. Here's a more complete rundown of the club history.
It's been a tough go for the Renegades so far this season. The team is 0-2 with Perry at the helm. As far as I can tell, they lost their most recent game 48-6 (yikes). Perry threw one TD pass but the extra point was blocked. It's been that kind of year for the 'Gades. They've been outscored 56-13 on the season to date.
If you think Perry's over there for the money, you'd be wrong. In fact, according to a recent NY Times article about the league, he's probably paying THEM.
Nobody gets rich playing football here. The players draw no salary, and in fact they must pay annual dues of almost $800 to play. They also pay for their own equipment, which can run to $1,700 if they want state-of-the-art gear. Coaches and officials may draw small stipends, and the clubs usually pay for the foreign players’ flights to Switzerland and find them lodging, a local job and sometimes a car.
Free flight. Nothing to sneeze at.
H/T: yags96