Introduction
Seppo Evwaraye (born June 1, 1982) is a Finnish former offensive guard in American football and current general manager of Finnish team Wasa Royals. Seppo was first signed by Carolina Panthers as a free agent in 2006, and also played for Minnesota Vikings as an international practice squad member.
Career
Playing career
Evwaraye started football in his home city of Vaasa, Finland. During his year as an exchange student in Nebraska, Evwaraye received an offer to play for University of Nebraska. He redshirted as a freshman. Evwaraye played as defensive tackle during his freshman and sophomore year, but turned to right tackle as a junior.
Evwaraye had been signed by the Carolina Panthers as a free agent in 2006, however he was unable to make the team due to problems with his work permit. Evwaraye played during the 2007 spring in NFL Europa for Cologne Centurions as a Guard. After the season, he joined the Vikings as an International Practice Squad Program member.
Seppo retired in September 2010 after winning his second consecutive Finnish Championship with Porvoo Butchers.
Coaching career
Evwaraye has been the head coach of Finnish team Wasa Royals since 2013 season. In his first season as head coach Royals achieved promotion to Finnish first division. In his second season, Royals won the Finnish first division championship, Spaghetti Bowl. At the end of 2016 season Evwaraye left his position as head coach and became a full-time general manager of the team.
Personal life
Evwaraye's mother is Finnish and father Nigerian. He has two football playing brothers, Ari and Efe, who both are Finnish champions and Finnish National Team players. All three brothers joined forces for the 2009 season and played for Porvoo Butchers championship winning team.
Seppo was inducted to Finnish American Football Hall of Fame in 2016.