1977-1986: Played Ice hockey with the Graz Uce

1986-1991: Played American Football with the Graz Giants. In 1990, Rene broke the team record for most points scored in a game. Rene scored 4 touchdowns and two extra point conversions as a running back for a total of 28 points. During Rene’s time with the Giants, they won the Austrian championship in 1990 and 1991.

1992-1993: Played American football with the Viena Vikings, Vice Champions 

1994-1997: Played American football for the Graz Giants, two time champions in 1994-1995, Vice Champions in 1996.  In 1995, Rene held the record for most touchdowns scored in a season. Due to his high level of play, Rene was named the starting wide receiver for the Austrian national team in 1995.

In addition to playing football, Rene has also been active in coaching. He was the offensive coordinator (3 years) for the Graz Giants Junior team and in 1996 served as the offensive coordinator for the National Junior Team of Austria. Rene studied sport and psychology at the Karl Franzens University of Graz.  Rene enjoys skiing, snowboarding, and working out. Rene is one of the best physical fitness instructors on the Costa del Sol, which can be confirmed by his long list of degrees in fitness. Rene currently plays wide receiver for the Marbella Sharks.

In Germany, AJ broke the league record for touchdowns in a game (4), receiving yards in a game 283 and all purpose yards from scrimmage in a game 357.  He finished a shortened season in Germany with 10 touchdowns while helping the Virgin Guards to a league title.

What brought AJ to Marbella beside the beautiful weather and luxurious lifestyle was his Spanish heritage.  AJ still has family in both Gibraltar and La Línea and feels an enormous amount of pride in his Spanish blood.  “I have lived in Madrid, traveled extensively in Spain and identify closely with the Spanish Culture. Marbella is not only a beautiful place, but the Sharks are building what I am sure will be one of the strongest football teams in Spain. I am extremely honored and excited to be here and I look forward to not only being a member of the Sharks, but also the community of Marbella.” AJ’s brother, Mike, and his two parents, Anthony and Laurie Lopez, currently reside in the United States.

The Sharks intend to use AJ at Wide Receiver on Offense, Safety on Defense, and as a Punt and Kick Returner on Special Teams.  His speed and agility will provide the Sharks with a big-play threat, who is capable of scoring points from several positions.