The Hamburg Sea Devils will open the European League of Football season with South Alabama’s record-setting Xavier Johnson at running back.
Johnson had originally signed to play with the Straubing Spiders in Germany’s second division in 2020 but when that season was canceled due to the pandemic, Mexico’s Monterrey Fundidores came calling. The season in Mexico was also canceled however, so Johnson, like so many others in 2020, was left without a place to play.
Needless to say, he is grateful for the chance with the Sea Devils:
“Honestly it feels good all I ever wanted to do was get an opportunity to get back on the field and Hamburg gave me that chance and for that I’m forever blessed I’m going to give them everything day in day out I’m working towards bringing that trophy back home.”
The 27 year old, 5’11”, 190 pound native of Tampa, Florida enjoyed an outstanding four year career at South Alabama (NCAA Div. 1) who play in the Sun Belt Conference (2014-2017). He rushed for a total of 2,670 yards and 24 touchdowns while returning 51 kickoffs for 1,220 yards and two touchdowns, finishing as the school’s all-time leading rusher at the time.
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