Finland’s Seinäjoki Crocodiles Sign Ex Nebraska Cornhusker DB Dijon Washington

AFI | American Football | 01/26/2017

Graphic: Sean Kelly Photo: Goran Milosavljevic

The Seinäjoki Crocodiles, runners up in Finland’s top league in 2016 – the Maple League – have strengthened their secondary and team in 2017 with the signing of ex Nebraska Cornhusker Dijon Washington.

The 6’1″, 200 lb native of Lawndale, California also played at Sacramento State after transferring from Nebraska. He spent the 2016 season with the Austrian champions, the Swarco Raiders, one of the top two teams in Europe.

He originally came to Europe playing for the Berlin Rebels in 2014 where he recorded 53 tackles and an interception.

The Crocodiles finished the regular season in Finland in first place with an 11-1 record but fell to the Helsinki Roosters in the Maple Bowl.

Crocodiles head coach Vesa Jalava was extremely pleased to land Washington:

“This was for us a pretty big piece of the puzzle. Now we know what we are looking for more this winter time. I believe that Washington’s contribution is going to be quite important next season.”

Washington has already taken a clear liking to Finland, the Maple League and the Seinäjoki Crocodiles. For him, finishing in first place and winning the championship are the largest source of motivation.

“The Crocodiles have a good organization and battle for the Finnish championship almost every year. And I expect nothing less this season. This requires team leadership, energy and football skills. I want to be a source of inspiration for the young Finnish players who love this game and who want to perhaps one day to play in the USA. I want to set them an example of what it requires.”