In the tiny tourist town of Rothenberg, (pop. 20,000) nestled in the southeast corner of Bavaria in Germany, not far from the Czech border, Cedric Townsend is enjoying life. As the starting quarterback of the Franken Knights (Division 2 in Germany), and the offensive coordinator, Townsend, in his third season of American football in Europe, is feeling good.
"I played in Sweden for two years with the Carlstad Crusaders, but hurt my knee prior to the championship game last year," he said. "I had surgery in the offseason and with the proper rehab back in North Carolina I am back at 100%. I feel lucky that I could continue to play here."
Due to his European experience and game film, Cedric had an opportunity to try out for the Hamilton Tiger Cats of the Canadian Football league but opted to return to Europe rather than go through tryouts and then training camp.
A native of Kenansville, North Carolina, Townsend attended Rocky Mount College, and in his senior year he guided his team to a 9-3 record. After graduation, one of his coaches was contacted by Rikard Borg, President of the Crusaders in Sweden and through Europlayers he was able to upload game film and record. Borg signed him and Cedric's European adventure began.
In 2008 the Crusaders, with the 6'5" Townsend at quarterback and running the offense, (1,536 yards rushing and 23 touchdowns as well as 2,241 yards passing for 30 touchdowns and only 3 interceptions) reached the Swedish semi-finals, losing to eventual champions, the Arlanda Jets. Last year, Carlstad went undefeated (10-0) and Townsend had another great season rushing for 1,045 yards and 19 touchdowns while passing for 2,164 yards and 30 TDs and a mere 2 interceptions) but with Cedric favoring the knee that he injured the game before, the Crusaders lost in the championship game to the Stockholm Meanmachines.
"I learned so much about football, playing in Sweden taking on the offensive coordinator's role, and I grew up.'" Said Cedric. "I really enjoy Rothenberg though. People love football here and with all the tourists from all over the world, the atmosphere is really friendly."
For now, it seems that Cedric Townsend is relishing the life of an American football player in Europe.
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