Mexico: Monterrey Fundidores sign former ELF & South Alabama running back Xavier Johnson

| American Football | 01/02/2022

The Monterrey Fundidores of Mexico’s Liga De Futbol Americano (LFA), have signed former division one running back Xavier Johnson.

Johnson recently signed with Italy’s Firenze Guelfi before opting for the Fundidores days after announcing his commitment to the Italian club. The future Fundirore commented on the change of heart opting for the familiarity in Monterrey:

“It was just me and Fundidores had a history and I just felt like that was the best decision for me.”

The 5’11”, 190-pound native of Tampa, Florida played this past summer in the European League of Football rushing for 979 yards and seven touchdowns for the Hamburg Sea Devils. The 27-year-olds 97.9 rushing yards a game ranked third in the league.

Before beginning his international career, Johnson enjoyed an outstanding four-year career at the University of 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.

Johnson has unfinished business in Monterrey as he signed with the Fundidores back in late 2020, however, the LFA canceled their season for pandemic-related reasons. The cancellation led the South Alabama star to head to Europe rather than Mexico last season. The Fundidores have also signed Spanish defensive tackle Artur Pinheiro.

Watch Johnson’s 2021 ELF highlights here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfCHmyZ7-Rc

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