Football | 2/18/2026 7:00:00 PM

The York University Lions defensive unit is expanding into the professional ranks as Sterling May and Dorian Zuidema have signed contracts to compete in the German Football League (GFL). The GFL is recognized as one of the most competitive football leagues outside of North America, with May joining a Dresden Monarchs franchise that has appeared in the German Bowl championship in each of the last two seasons. 

Sterling May established himself as a premier defensive anchor over five seasons, highlighted by his durability and a streak of 32 consecutive games played from 2022 to 2025. After debuting as a rookie in 2021, May became a consistent pass-rushing threat, leading his team in sacks for two consecutive years in 2023 and 2024. May joins a squad with a rich history of postseason success, including a national title in 2021, and will be a key part of their defensive strategy as they look to return to the championship stage in 2026. 

Dorian Zuidema will also compete in the GFL, having signed with the Hildesheim Invaders. Formerly a member of the Calgary Dinos, Zuidema joined the Lions in the fall of 2025 and recorded four solo tackles over five games during his debut season with the program. Both athletes now transition to the professional level to compete in the top tier of European football. The Invaders have undergone a significant resurgence in recent years, securing a perfect 10-0 season in GFL2 in 2023 to earn promotion back to the top tier. Since returning to the GFL, the club has remained a competitive force in the North, reaching the league semifinals as recently as 2024 where they lost to May's new team the Dresden Monarchs.