The Last Dance: Finnish QB Miro Kadmiry seeks IFAF European Bronze to cap one-of-a-kind career
Nineteen years, four championships, six teams, three countries, and 17 national team appearances… these impressive numbers sum up the unique career of Finnish quarterback Miro Kadmiry.
However, before the future Hall of Famer rides off into the sunset, he’ll suit up one last time in the blue and white as Finland takes on France October 30 for the IFAF European Championship bronze medal.
Kadmiry explained his decision to walk away from the game he loves:
“This has been done for a really long time. And I believe I have achieved everything I personally could no longer achieve.” (via SAJL)
Kadmiry playing rival Sweden Photo: Jari Turunen
The 30-year-old’s best season came as recently as 2019 where he led the Helsinki Roosters to a Maple Bowl championship. The Finn threw for an impressive 3,213 yards and 51 touchdowns on his way to an MVP award. This past season, he once again led the Maple League in passing and took the Roosters to another Maple Bowl. During his three years as a starter in Helsinki, Kadmiry was the only domestic starting quarterback in the league, week in and week out. Yet, his exclusive status didn’t bother him one bit:
“To me it doesn’t matter if I am the only domestic QB in the league. At this position, you either get it done, or don’t. I have seen so many non-domestic QB’s throughout my career who haven’t been able to get it done any better than domestic one who is in their backup. Sometimes, we just forget to see how important it is to have a good OC. The system and the game planning. When the offensive game plan doesn’t make sense it’s hard for anyone.”
Before hoisting championships and MVP trophies as a Rooster, Kadmiry played for the Turku Trojans, Hildesheim Invaders, Porvoo Butchers, Louisiana College (NAIA), and the Vantaa TAFT. However, the special 2019 season stands out as his favorite:
“There are many highlights. Of course, the biggest season is 2019, when we won the Finnish championship.” (via SAJL)
Kadmiry after the 2019 Maple Bowl: Photo Jari Turunen
On the international stage, Kadmiry has shined equally as bright. Since joining the national team as a 19-year-old, Kadmiry has appeared in 17 matches. With a start on Saturday, he’ll rise to 13th all-time in national team games played. Back in 2018, the IFAF veteran led Finland to a bronze medal, but was eliminated from the title match by the eventual champion French.
The homegrown passer will look to add another achievement to his storied career with one last win this Saturday. He and his countrymen look to defend their home turf and hoist the IFAF European Championship bronze in Vantaa once again.
Make sure to watch France @ Finland, October 30, 13:00 CET(1 pm, 07:00 am ET) on AFI.tv
Read more about Miro Kadmiry’s football journey here
