The Finland Vienna Vikings connection continues! Finnish linebacker Timi Nuikka signs a one-year contract with the Austrian team. 

"I’m super excited to join one of the best teams in all of Europe!", says Nuikka. He adds: “On top of that, we all got some unfinished business in this league, so it was a no-brainer for me to sign with Vienna when the opportunity came.”

The 23-year-old already played in the European League of Football in 2023. He made an instant impression for the Wroclaw Panthers. In eleven games, the linebacker collected 91 tackles, including nine for loss and 3.5 sacks. He also recovered a fumble and made an interception, which Nuikka returned for a touchdown. Numbers that earned him the Defensive Rookie of the Year 2023 award.

The young Finn has big goals for his ELF comeback: “My goal for the upcoming season is to help the team the best way I can so that we go 1-0 every single game week. I can't wait to meet all my teammates, coaches and especially the fans. We are going to have a great season this year!”

Don't miss a single ELF Game - get your Game Pass!

Calaycay: "Excited to add another ‘Northman’ to our team"

Vikings Head Coach Chris Calaycay is also very pleased about the signing of such a player: “Timi is such an explosive player. We all saw it in his lone rookie of the year campaign in 2023. He adds to the speed and athleticism that we like in our linebacker crew.”

For Calaycay, Nuikka brings very special qualities: “He can bring pressure, cover, and play sideline to sideline. We are very excited to add another 'Northman' to our team.”

Over the past few years, the Vikings have already shown a certain preference to fill their E-import spots with players from Finland. In addition to Nuikka, the Finns Elmeri Laalo (DB), Tony Koskinen (OL) and Karri Pajarinen have already been confirmed for the coming season.

Read more about the Vikings, Finnish football connection!