Canadian tight end Dylan St. Pierre has signed with the Wroclaw Panthers of the American Football League of Europe (AFLE).
The move makes history as St. Pierre becomes the first international import player to sign in the upstart league. An international import is defined as a player who began his football career in the national system of Canada, Mexico, or Japan. Products from those nations are typically considered American by European leagues, reducing their opportunities overseas, but will be granted one designated roster spot in the AFLE.
St. Pierre has been a free agent since July 2025 when he was released by the B.C. Lions. The Ottawa native first signed with the team as an undrafted free agent during the 2023 season and had multiple stints on the practice roster over the next three years. He made his CFL debut at fullback in the 2023 Western Final, and dressed for three regular-season games in 2024 without recording any statistics.
The six-foot-two, 227-pounder played receiver for the University of Ottawa from 2016 to 2022, recording 45 receptions for 444 yards and five touchdowns over 33 career games.
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 Panthers, Rhein Fire, Berlin Thunder, and Vienna Vikings, plus a number of new organizations, including the Alpine Rams, Paris Lights, and a yet-to-be-named team in Italy. Future teams in England and Monaco are also rumoured.
Founded in 2005, the Panthers are the top team in Poland and won four national titles prior to joining the ELF in 2021. They went a combined 30-28 over five seasons in the top league, twice making the postseason.
Lions linebacker Maxime Rouyer played for Wroclaw in 2022, the same season in which current B.C. special teams coordinator Cory McDiarmid served on the coaching staff. Other notable players to have suited up for the Panthers include Toronto Argonauts defensive end Thiadric Hansen and three-time NFL Pro Bowl kick returner Kavontae Turpin of the Dallas Cowboys.
The AFLE has not yet unveiled a schedule for their inaugural season.
