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W&L’s Todd To Play In Finland
Senior linebacker Jalen Todd of the Washington and Lee University football team signed a contract to play professional football in Finland with the Porvoon Butchers, W&L announced on Jan. 3.
The Porvoon Butchers, based in Porvoo, Finland, have won seven Finnish championships. The Butchers secured the Maple Bowl in 2023 before concluding their 2024 campaign with an 8-4 record, falling in the semifinals to the eventual champions, the Helsinki Roosters. The Vaahteraliiga league is one of the more established European leagues for American football.
“Butchers family, I am so excited to be a part of the team and look forward to seeing the love and energy you all bring to each game in support of our team,” said Todd in the Butchers’ press release. “I can’t wait to meet and represent each one of you!”
Todd had a standout senior season for the Generals, registering 124 total tackles, averaging 11.3 per game, which ranked fifth and eighth, respectively, in Division III this season. He recorded double-digit tackles in five games, including a careerhigh 22 tackles in the Blue and White’s 40-23 win over Guilford College on October 19. Todd’s 22 tackles were the second most in a single game this season in Division III and the third most across all NCAA divisions. Todd helped the Generals go 7-4 overall and 5-2 in the ODAC, ending their season with a 40-21 win over Wilkes University in the Cape Henry Bowl in Salem, the first postseason bowl win in school history.
He earned several accolades this season, including being named the Old Dominion Athletic Conference’s Lou Wacker Defensive Player of the Year and being selected to the All-ODAC First Team. Todd also received national and regional recognition for his stellar senior campaign. He was named a First Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association and a Second Team All-American by the Associated Press, while also earning Second Team All-Region honors from D3football.com. Additionally, he was named a finalist for the Touchdown Club of Richmond’s Lanier Award, which recognizes the best player in the Commonwealth of Virginia among Division II, III, and NAIA players.
“We are very happy to have Jalen join our team. He had an exceptionally successful season last year. He reads the game well, anticipates opponents’ moves, and his versatility and skills on the field make him a valuable addition to our team,” said General Manager Markku Vuoksenturjan. “Todd’s commitment and work ethic are exemplary, and we believe he will play a significant role in our success.”
Todd is the second Division III player to sign with the Butchers, following quarterback Harry Roubidoux of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, who joined the team last week. Todd also joins Josh Breece, Class of 2022, in playing professional football in Europe. Breece previously played for the Paderborn Dolphins in Germany and recently signed with the UWE Bullets in the United Kingdom.
The Vahhteraliiga League plays its games during the summer.
