Canadian linebacker Harold Miessan has signed with the Alpine Rams of the American Football League of Europe.
Miessan joins the Rams as their one designated international import, which is defined as a player who began his football career in the national system of Canada, Mexico, or Japan. This is a new concept introduced by the AFLE, as products from those nations have typically been considered American by European leagues, reducing their opportunities overseas.
The six-foot, 200-pound defender played five seasons at the Université de Montréal, helping the Carabins to Vanier Cup victories as the Canadian national champions in 2023 and 2025. In 2023, he won the Presidents’ Trophy as the top stand-up defensive player in U Sports football.
Miessan appeared in 55 games with the Carabins, amassing 201 total tackles, 26 tackles for loss, 11 sacks, three forced fumbles, five pass break-ups, and eight interceptions. He was a two-time All-Canadian, a two-time RSEQ all-star, and was named the conference’s defensive rookie of the year in 2021.
The Montreal native went unselected in the 2025 CFL Draft after a disappointing showing at the Combine and never signed in the league, returning to school for his final season of eligibility.
The AFLE is one of two startup leagues beginning play in Europe this year, following the financial collapse of the European League of Football. It includes four former ELF franchises in the Berlin Thunder, Wroclaw Panthers, Rhein Fire, and Vienna Vikings, plus a number of new organizations, including the Rams, Paris Lights, and Firenze Red Lions. Future teams in England and Monaco are also rumoured.
The Rams are based in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland. The city lies on the border between the French and German-speaking regions of the country, hence its official dual names, and is located roughly 30 minutes northwest of the national capital of Bern.
The AFLE has not yet unveiled a schedule for their inaugural season.
