“I am grateful for the opportunity to play my third season with the Vikings and motivated to get better and will begin my off-season program soon.”said Pajarinen shortly after the signing. In 2024 he set a new franchise record and was the first player in Vienna to achieve a +1,000 yard rushing season. At the end of the season, the ‘FINisher’ achieved 1,377 rushing yards, 187 receiving yards and a total of 14 touchdowns. The outstanding season performance catapulted Pajarinen to second place in the league’s RB rankings and earned him the 2nd Team All-Star award. So it’s hardly surprising that Head Coach Chris Calaycay wanted to continue to sign the key offensive player shortly after the end of the season.
Schütz will be given a two-year contract
The Styrian offensive all-rounder John Schütz signs a two-year contract with the Vienna Vikings. In 2022 and 2023, he only joined the team mid-season due to training. In 2024, Schütz was in Vienna from the start of the season. In 2024, Schütz quickly became one of QB Holmes’ favorite targets – and one of the most productive. Within the team, Johannes finished the regular season in fourth place with 288 receiving yards – behind Horn, Toure and Bouah. At the end of the championship year, the 24-year-old from Graz had four touchdowns as well as 304 receiving and 108 rushing yards.
Laalo stays! Finnish defense star also extends
Already enchanted in 2023 Elmeri Laalo the football community with athletic moments and game-winning plays, which also earned him a nomination for Defensive Rookie Of The Year last year. In 2024, the Finnish national team player seamlessly picked up where he left off in his first year as a Viking and posted impressive statistics. In a total of 13 games, Laalo recorded 52 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 3 pass break-ups.
“Elmeri’s progress over the last two seasons has been incredible.” – DC Daniel Auböck
The Vikings defensive coordinator is also pleased about the 23-year-old Finn’s continued commitment Daniel Auböck. When scouting in 2022, Coach Auböck noticed Laalo’s enormous talent – at that time he was still with the Helsinki Wolverines. A little later, the DB signed his first contract in Vienna and has developed into one of the leading players in the league. “Elmeri is a cornerstone of our defense and we are very happy to have him on board for 2025. His versatility allows him to contribute in a variety of ways as he works for us all over the field. Elmeri’s progress over the last two seasons has been incredible, both as a player and as a leader! We can’t wait to see the next stage of his development.“, so DC Auböck.
