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It's his first season with the squad, but he brings four years of experience from playing professionally overseas with the Schwaebisch Hall Unicorns of the German Football League. Seroogy didn't know the Unicorns existed until he played against them with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville football team during the spring of his junior season in 2003. After his collegiate career was over, he decided to take an offer to play in Germany for the team.

"It was great in Germany because they accepted me right away," Seroogy said.

"It was a great opportunity. I got to travel Europe. I met my wife (Melanie) in Germany, so that kept me coming back."

The GFL season runs from the end of April to early September, and teams are allowed to dress six American players, but can only have two on the field at the same time. In addition to providing housing, a daily meal and a vehicle, the Unicorns pay their players "enough to get by each month," Seroogy said.

Seroogy, 27, thought his days on the gridiron were over when he decided not to go back for a fifth season. But his father, Jim, told him he could still play for the Gladiators. The Gladiators were founded by Nathan Smithson and began play in 2007. The team features a lot of players like Seroogy, who played at the Division III level in college.

"Softball and volleyball leagues and things like that will never fulfill the passion these guys have for football," said Smithson, who is also the team's quarterback and a six-year veteran of semi-pro football." As long as the body is still willing, they're going to be out there."

Seroogy said playing for the Gladiators, unlike the Unicorns, allows him to work at Seroogy's Chocolates, which has been the family business since 1899 and is located in De Pere, where he now lives. The Gladiators practice about three times a week and play an eight-game regular season schedule from May to July, with playoffs in August.

"Max's size definitely puts him above others," Smithson said. "There is only one other receiver that I've played with that is at the talent level he's at."

The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder leads the Gladiators with 329-receiving yards and three touchdown receptions.

Although Seroogy doesn't have to travel to a different country to play for the Gladiators, it still requires a lot of time and dedication, with road games to Burnsville, Minn. and Menominee, Mich. Players also have to purchase their own equipment and help find sponsors to fund travel, referees and a field to play on. But Seroogy said it's all worth it for a chance to continue playing.

"It's a real family atmosphere, and I love that."