Devon Francois set to join the German Football League’s Berlin Adler
In 2014, Alcorn State University alumnus Devon Francois was one of the defensive captains on the Braves championship winning team. In March 2016, his dreams of playing professional football will become a reality.
Francois will become a member of the German Football League (GFL) team, the Berlin Adler, in Berlin, Germany this spring. The Adler is one of the GFL’s most successful clubs in Germany, having won six German Bowls, as well as ten Ladies Bowls and five Junior Bowls. The club has also participated in the European Football League on a number of occasions and has won the Eurobowl in 2010 and 2014.
One of Francois’ best friends informed him about the possibility of playing football in another country.
“A great friend of mine named Joseph Lebeau, who played at Jackson State University, provided me with awesome information about the GFL,” said Francois. “I made a player profile and everything took off from there.”
The idea of playing professional football is a dream come true for Francois. He expressed how thankful he is for the opportunity and gives credit to a higher power.
“This is still kind of surreal to me. I am thankful for this opportunity that I have been blessed with. This is His timing and I believe there is something in store for me in Germany.”
Francois is prepared to put in the work it takes to help his new team become champions.
“I plan to leave a mark of greatness in the German Football League. I’m going to work extremely hard to be the best I can to help bring a championship to the Berlin Adler.”
Francois is currently pursuing his master’s degree in kinesiology/exercise science at Southern Arkansas University. Even though he’s been given the opportunity to play professional football, he still plans to complete his degree in the school’s online program. He shares important advice with student athletes concerning graduating and professional sports.
“It is extremely important for college athletes to graduate! You can’t play sports forever, so you will need a backup plan. Do not put all of your eggs in one basket. Enjoy college and continue to put in extra work. Professional sports aren’t easy. Remember that it is a business as well. Control the things you can and have faith.”
