LEXINGTON, Va. - Senior linebacker
Jalen Todd of the Washington and Lee University football team signed a contract to play professional football in Finaland with the Porvoon Butchers.
The Porvoon Butchers, based in Porvoo, Finland, have won seven Finnish championships. The Butchers secured the Maple Bowl in 2023 before concluding their 2024 campaign with an 8-4 record, falling in the semifinals to the eventual champions, the Helsinki Roosters. The Vaahteraliiga league is one of the more established European leagues for American football.
"Butchers family, I am so excited to be a part of the team and look forward to seeing the love and energy you all bring to each game in support of our team," said Todd in the Butchers' press release. "I can't wait to meet and represent each one of you!"
Todd had a standout senior season for the Blue and White, registering 124 total tackles, averaging 11.3 tackles per game, which ranked 5th and 8th in Division III this season, respectively. He recorded double-digit tackles in five games this season, including a career-high 22 tackles in the Blue and White's 40-23 win over Guilford College on October 19. Todd's 22 tackles were the second most in a single game this season in Division III and the third most across all NCAA divisions.
He earned several accolades this season, including being named the Old Dominion Athletic Conference's (ODAC) Lou Wacker Defensive Player of the Year and being selected to the All-ODAC First Team. Todd also received national and regional recognition for his stellar senior campaign. He was named a First Team All-American by the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) and a Second Team All-American by the Associated Press, while also earning Second Team All-Region honors from D3football.com. Additionally, he was named a finalist for the Touchdown Club of Richmond's Lanier Award, which recognizes the best player in the Commonwealth of Virginia among Division II, III, and NAIA players.
"We are very happy to have Jalen join our team. He had an exceptionally successful season last year. He reads the game well, anticipates opponents' moves, and his versatility and skills on the field make him a valuable addition to our team," said General Manager Markku Vuoksenturjan. "Todd's commitment and work ethic are exemplary, and we believe he will play a significant role in our success."
The Vahhteraliiga League runs during the summer.
Todd is the second Division III player to sign with the Butchers, following quarterback Harry Roubidoux of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, who joined the team last week. Todd also joins Josh Breece, Class of 2022, in playing professional football in Europe. Breece previously played for the Paderborn Dolphins in Germany and recently signed with the UWE Bullets in the United Kingdom.
Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.
