Finland: Helsinki Roosters sign DB Emory Polley

The Helsinki Roosters of Finland’s Maple League have signed defensive back Emory Polley to boost their secondary.

The 5’9″, 185-pound 29-year-old Polley, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, spent the past two seasons (2021, 2019) playing for the Cologne Crocodiles in the German Football League. In 25 games, he recorded 60 tackles, two tackles for loss, four interceptions and 21 pass breakups.

Polley, who was an American Football Coaches Association First Team All American at Brown University (2015), spent three seasons with the Panasonic Impulse in the Japanese XLeague, helping Panasonic win their seventh title in 2015. At Brown, the seasoned defender led the nation with six interceptions in 2013 (0.6 per game) and in his final two years he had 68 tackles and 10 interceptions. A two-time All-Ivy selection, Polley earned First Team All-Ivy and All-New England honors in 2013.

Helsinki Roosters head coach Juha Hakala is very pleased to get work with Polley.

”Emory is player that can do it all, he has great cover skills and speed. He can line up also at safety, as nickel in defense or even as a receiver on offense. He is also n outstanding areturner who will give our special teams an extra boost. His is a highly experienced player, so expect him to be an excellent leader for our team during the 2022 season.”

When asked why he chose the Helsinki Roosters, Polley admitted he was intrigued:

“I chose the Roosters because I was very intrigued at a new opportunity to compete at a high level for a storied franchise in a different country. I had some very positive discussions with Coach Hakala about the upcoming season and he also coached one of my former college teammates and former Rooster (Stephen Peyton) which made me feel even more comfortable in moving forward with the team.”

The Roosters reached the Maple Bowl, Finland’s title game, in 2021 but were defeated by the Kuopio Steelers 14-0.

Check out Emory Polley’s highlights from Japan