GFL: Potsdam Royals sign Finnish champion RB Karri Pajarinen

| American Football | 01/06/2022

The Potsdam Royals of the German Football League have signed Finnish All-Star running back Karri Pajarinen.

Pajarinen is thrilled to be joining the GFL semi-finalists:

“I’m excited to join the Potsdam family and joining Jake in the backfield. With the Roosters, we have a long history of winning culture, and that’s what I’m looking to bring with me and help the team compete for a championship.”

The 5’10”, 205 pound running back has been a part of the Finnish powerhouse Helsinki Roosters since he began his football career at 13 years old. The 23-year old has been one of the Maple League’s top running backs the past few seasons and a staple of the Finnish national team since 2017.

Last year, Pajarinen ran for 259 yards and three touchdowns in five games for the Helsinki Roosters. In 2019, the Finn ended the season with 846 rushing yards, good for third in the league. Besides his skills on the ground, Pajarinen is also a skilled receiver out of the backfield earning praise from Potsdam coach Michael Vogt.

“Karri is a very explosive ball carrier and excellent receiver out of the backfield. Our running game will be more versatile because of him.”

The national team running back joins the GFL’s reigning rushing champion, Jake Mayon, in the Potsdam backfield. The Royals have also re-signed defensive backs Adehkeem Brown (Quincy NCAA D2), Abu Daramy Swaray (Colgate NCAA D1 FCS), along with adding linebacker Fillipo Fort.

Watch Karri Pajarinen in the IFAF European championships

Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and