Jackson Erdmann isn’t yet a household name. However, he should be. An alum of Saint John’s University, a division III program, Erdmann has been overlooked since he left college. That hasn’t stopped him from proving a point.
Chip on His Shoulder
Originally Erdmann had attended Penn State. The thing is Penn State was stacked with future NFL quarterbacks. Future second-round pick Christian Hackenberg was the starter. Trace McSorley and Tommy Stevens the next in line. This led Erdman to the transfer portal.
He would land at Saint John’s University in 2016. He went on to be a four-year starter. Along the way, he led his teams to the playoffs in 2018 and 2019. He also won the Gagliardi Trophy given to the player of the year in DIII. He was also a finalist for the award again in 2019.
First Chance in the Pros
He would declare for the 2020 NFL Draft but went undrafted. He didn’t receive any offers as a UDFA and sat on the open market until the FCF kicked off season 1.0. The former DIII stand-out signed on with the FCF and ended season 1.0 in dramatic fashion winning the first ever People’s championship game with the Wild Aces.
After a very successful run in the FCF in which Erdmann displayed poise, accuracy, and leadership, the European League of Football came calling. They were adding a team from the Austrian Football league that had a storied history but needed a new QB1. The Vienna Vikings were known for winning 15 Austrian Football League Titles, and five EuroBowl Titles.
Erdmann answered that call and went overseas to continue his path to the NFL. The Vikings squad proved to be just as formidable in the ELF as they were in the AFL. The Vikings nearly ran the table all season long. Winning nine straight before notching their first loss.
Champion Once Again
Ultimately the Vikings would find victory when they faced the Hamburg Sea Devils in late September. It was on the strength of a defensive effort that held all-star running back Glen Toonga in check all afternoon. It was due to their defensive performance, and an efficient passing attack led by Erdmann nthat the Vikings were able to find victory.
Erdmann did not toss a touchdown on the day, but he completed 20 of 25 passes for 251 yards and 1 interception. He did help put his team in position for wide receiver Kimi Linnainmaa to throw a touchdown pass. As if that wasn’t enough the run game added 2 touchdowns, and Tasic converted 2 of 3 field goal attempts. The Vikings add on to their storied legacy in their first season with the ELF.
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