Dominik Eberle

Dominik Eberle's Biography

Dominik Eberle is a respected figure in American football today, currently playing as a placekicker for the Berlin Thunder, a team in the European League of Football (ELF). Born on July 4, 1996, in Nuremberg, Germany, Eberle pursued his passion for football with vigor, becoming one of the most versatile players in that position. Eberle’s path to his current status has been one of determination, showcasing an unbreakable resolve to thrive in his chosen field.

Eberle spent the early years of his life in Germany, nurtured by his parents Güenther Eberle and Carmen Romero-Eberle. His competitive spirit stemmed from his family background, fostered from childhood by his one sibling. At the age of 14, Eberle relocated to California, a move that set him on a path towards his passion for football. Enrolling at Redondo Union High School, he actively participated in both football and soccer, laying the groundwork for his future professional sporting career.

Upon high school graduation, Eberle chose to continue his football passion at Utah State University in 2015. His first year was spent on the sidelines studying his sport, often known as ‘redshirting.’ Following the redshirt year, in which he made four appearances, he began starting as the kicker in 2017. Throughout the 13 games of that season, Eberle distinguished himself, successfully completing all 47 of his extra point attempts and 18 out of 24 field goal attempts. His outstanding performance earned him a nomination as a finalist for the Lou Groza Award. Continuously holding his kicking position for his junior and senior years, Eberle established a sterling career at Utah State, achieving a program record of 64 field goals and 167 extra points.

Despite his admirable college record, Eberle went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. Nevertheless, his talent did not go unnoticed, and he was promptly signed onto the Las Vegas Raiders’ practice squad. Later, in 2021, Eberle moved on to the Carolina Panthers practice squad. After being cut and re-signed, he was ultimately released by the Panthers once more.

In December 2021, the American football landscape witnessed a significant shift: Houston Texans’ kicker Kaʻimi Fairbairn was put on the COVID-19 restricted list. In a strategy to keep their game strong, the Texans signed Eberle onto their practice squad. On December 26, with Fairbairn unable to rejoin the team, Eberle donned his NFL gear and stepped onto the field as the Texans’ kicker for his first NFL game, facing the Los Angeles Chargers. His stint with the Texans ended on January 5, 2022.

Shortly after being released from the Texans, Eberle was signed back to the Carolina Panthers’ practice squad, only to sign a contract with the Green Bay Packers in February of the same year. However, his time at Green Bay was short-lived, and he was released in June.

Eberle joined the Detroit Lions’ practice squad in September 2022 and got promoted to active roster in October. Unfortunately, he was let go once more following misses in Week 4. The Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL signed him on February 6, 2023. Despite the folding of the Sea Dragons franchise following the merger of the XFL and USFL to form the United Football League, Eberle managed to add to his tally, playing in 10 games and making 14-of-18 field goals.

In April 2024, Dominik Eberle set his sights on a new horizon, signing with the Berlin Thunder of the European League of Football. As he continues to build his career, Eberle has proven himself as a resilient player, one who finds the will to bounce back from setbacks and maintain his commitment to the sport. With every twist and turn, he continues to live out his dream, fervently facing the next challenge in his path of football.