Finland: East City Giants sign veteran Jabari Harris to boost struggling offense

The East City Giants (0-2), seeking to reverse their winless start in Finland’s Maple League, have signed veteran American athlete Jabari Harris to bolster their offensive arsenal. The 32-year-old Mississippi native returns to ECG after previous stints with the club in 2017–2018.

Harris’s Maple League legacy
Harris, a dual-threat quarterback turned versatile playmaker, ranks 17th in Maple League history with 49 career touchdowns. Since joining Finland’s Porvoo Butchers in 2014, he’s suited up for Helsinki 69ers, Roosters, and Wolverines, guiding the latter to a 2022 semifinal berth (2,048 passing yards, 26 TDs; 559 rushing yards, 15 TDs). His European résumé also includes stops in Poland (Białystok Lowlanders), Belgium, and Norway.

ECG’s strategic shift
The Giants plan to deploy Harris as a wide receiver, leveraging his speed and hands to complement quarterback Rayna Stewart III. This move addresses ECG’s early-season offensive struggles, with Harris positioned as a potential game-changer for a team lacking big-play threats.

Versatility across eras
Originally a quarterback, Harris transitioned to linebacker and hybrid roles later in his career. His 2021 campaign with the Porvoo Butchers included a semifinal run, while his 2019 Wolverines tenure also ended in playoff contention. Now, as ECG’s fourth U.S.-quota player, Harris aims to reignite his legacy in Helsinki.

The signing marks a reunion for Harris and the Giants, who hope his adaptability and Maple League pedigree can spark a midseason turnaround.