With the 2017 regular season in Portugal now finished and the playoffs looming, let’s take a look at the players who made a difference for their teams in scoring over the nine games played.
Passing TDs
Joey Bradley topped the league with 29 touchdown passes and led the Lisboa Devils to another undefeated season in 2017 and for the second year in a row led the league in both passing yardage and touchdowns. The 6’1″, 190 lb graduate of the University of New Haven threw for 3,122 yards and 49 TDs in his first year, 2015/2016.
Rushing TDs
Cascais Crusaders running back Juzz Tiny from Lisbon, is in his fifth season in the Portuguese league playing for the Crusaders. His 21 rushing touchdowns helped the Crusaders to a playoff spot. A former two-time league MVP (2013, 2014) Tiny led the league in rushing and touchdowns last season as well with 2,209 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns.
Defensive TDs
Awal Umaru played his first year in Portugal this past season with the Maia Renegades after spending the 2016 season in Hungary with the Eger Heroes. The 5’11”, 185 lb Umaru from Union College (New York) recovered two fumbles and returned them for touchdowns and returned an interception for a touchdown, helping the Renegades finish first in the North division with an 8-1 record.
Receiving TDs
Former NFL tight end Collin Franklin has been a key to the Lisboa Devils success over the past two seasons. The 6’4″, 245 lb graduate of Iowa State, and ex Tampa Bay Buccaneer joined the Devils along with quarterback Joey Bradley in November 2015 and has been an anchor for the team ever since.
Special Teams TDs
Maia Renegades defensive back Michael Campbell was a deadly special teams force in the regular season returning once kickoff for a touchdown and two punts. The 5’11”, 185 lb native of Fruita, Colorado has also played in Brazil (Cabritos FA, Vittoria) and Serbia (Pancevo Panthers).
