Finland: Porvoo Butchers land dual-threat QB Donovan Isom for 2026 season
The defending Maple League champion Porvoo Butchers have made a major offseason move, signing experienced American quarterback Donovan Isom to lead their offense for the 2026 campaign. The 31-year-old Louisiana native brings an impressive international resume to Finland, having played professionally in Germany, the European League of Football, and most recently Japan’s X-League.
Journey from college to global pro
Isom’s football journey began at the University of Utah (NCAA Division I) before transferring to Southeastern Louisiana University (NCAA FCS) and eventually finding his groove at Texas Wesleyan University (NAIA). His standout performance there made him the first player in school history invited to an NFL Pro Day in 2020. Though he didn’t secure an NFL contract, he immediately transitioned to a successful professional career in Europe.
Proven production in Europe
The 6’4″, 260-pound quarterback established himself as a dynamic dual-threat during two seasons with the Berlin Rebels in the German Football League, where he threw for 2,686 yards and 26 touchdowns while adding 10 rushing scores in 2022 alone. After a stint with the Berlin Thunder in the ELF, he returned to the GFL to lead the New Yorker Lions to the 2024 semifinals before spending 2025 with Japan’s Oriental Bio Silver Stars.
Perfect fit for Butchers’ system
Porvoo offensive coordinator Robert Johnson praised Isom’s strong arm, precision passing, and natural leadership abilities, noting his exceptionally low interception history throughout his career. Isom’s combination of size, mobility, and experience makes him particularly dangerous in the red zone and difficult to bring down in the open field. His signing represents a significant upgrade for the defending champions as they look to maintain their dominance in the Finnish Maple League.
