Helsinki Roosters outstanding new wide receiver Rashad Still, who recently arrived from an excellent season in Hungary with the Fehérvár Enthroners, has already had an impact.
In two games, the 24-year-old has 14 receptions for 325 yards and four touchdowns.
The El Paso, Texas-born wide receiver put up similar numbers with the Enthroners in helping them reach the Hungarian Bowl. He had 346 yards receiving while scoring eight touchdowns and was named Hungarian Football League MVP as well.
So the transition from Hungary to Finland has been a smooth one. But not just on the field. In fact, the Roosters may well be an ideal fit for him. Not just because of the team, but because of his love of wildlife. His passion for animals is not a surprise based on his background. In addition, he received a degree in Fisheries & Wildlife at the University of Minnesota and is able to put his knowledge into practice.
In fact, his love of animals grew during his college years and he would like to make it his career after retiring from football.
However, the end of his years as a player is hopefully still far away.
American Football International: You had an outstanding season in Fehérvár. What are your thoughts on your season with the Enthroners. There wasn’t another receiver who caught almost every ball that flew towards him.
Rashad Still: Thank you! The season was one to remember because we went undefeated all the way up to the final. Not the result we wished for but the season was still a success.
Photo: László Tenk
AFI: Then you have traveled to your next destination in Finland. Tell us about your new team.
RS: I know it was a very quick turnaround and the new team is great. I love the offense already. I became MVP in my first game here so that is something that speaks for itself.
AFI: I know you are also good at basketball.
RS: I actually did not start playing football until my junior year in high school. I was 15. My basketball team was elite. We were ranked number 1 in Texas and went to the finals four times in the playoffs. I was MVP of the regional tournament also and ranked number 26 in Texas my senior year.
Photo: Rashad Still facebook
AFI: You studied at the University of Minnesota where you got a degree in Fisheries and Wildlife. What made you choose this direction?
RS: That’s crazy, you know! But yes, animals have been my passion since the earliest I can remember. I enjoy it with a passion and in the future will definitely stay in this field when I am older. I chose it because whenever I would get into trouble with my mom and got grounded, the only channel I could watch on TV was Animal Planet.
AFI: What was it like studying Fisheries & Wildlife, then also working in this field?
RS: It was a great experience. I have worked in zoos and wildlife reserves. I have worked with a lot of exotic and wild animals. Also, in my apartment, while I was at Minnesota, we created a little bit of a zoo. We had a ball python, two cats, a beautiful pit bull dog, and three bearded dragons.
Photo: Rashad Still facebook
AFI: It also looks like you could be a star model of a fashion brand based on your Facebook page. Is it important for you to be up to date in fashion?
RS: This actually started recently but fashion is a real passion of mine as well. I love clothes and shoes. Growing up we were poor and could not afford nice clothing like shoes, so when I was able to get some I fell in love.
AFI: Back to football. What are your goals in Finland with the Roosters?
RS: My goal is pretty much the same no matter the team and that is to win. Win as much as possible and most importantly win the championship.