Seppo Evwaraye

Infobox NFLactive


currentteam=Minnesota Vikings
currentpositionplain=Offensive guard
birthdate=birth date and age|1982|6|1
birthplace=Vaasa, Finland
heightft=6
heightin=5
weight=320
debutyear=
debutteam=
college=Nebraska
undraftedyear=2006
pastteams=
* Carolina Panthers (2006)
* Minnesota Vikings (2007-"present")

Seppo Evwaraye (born June 1, 1982 in Vaasa, Finland) is a Finnish National Football League offensive guard first signed by Carolina Panthers as a free agent in 2006 and currently plays for Minnesota Vikings as an international practice squad member.

Evwaraye started football in his homecity Vaasa, Finland. During his year as an exchange student in Nebraska, Evwaraye received an offer to play for University of Nebraska. He redshirted as a freshman. Evwaraye played as defensive tackle during his freshman and sophomore year, but turned to right tackle as a junior. Was not drafted, but got a free agent contract from Panthers.

Known for his great speed and acceleration. His 40 yard dash times are below 5 seconds, which are considered great for offensive line players. His 40 yard times are amongst the very best (for his position) in Nebraska school history.

Evwaraye, who started 20 of Nebraska’s last 23 games, was derailed by a snafu in the process to obtain his work permit. Because the University of Nebraska gave him outdated forms, he forwarded the wrong amount of processing money — $175 instead of $180, — in his initial attempt to obtain the permit.

Evwaraye tried to rectify the problem, re-sending all the forms with the correct fee, but the process didn't proceed fast enough. He even called on Nebraska’s Sen. Chuck Hagel and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry to help expedite the matter, but to no avail.

Has two football playing brothers, Ari and Efe, who both are Finnish champions and Finnish National Team players. Ari Evwaraye (DL/LB) plays for Porvoo Butchers and Efe Evwaraye (LB) for Seinäjoki Crocodiles. Efe won his championship playing for Helsinki Roosters in 2004, and Ari with Porvoo Butchers in 2005. The brothers met each other in Finnish championship game in 2005 and again in 2007.

Evwaraye played during the 2007 spring in NFL Europa for Cologne Centurions as a guard. After the season, he joined the Vikings as an international practice squad member.

Evwaraye has his hometown listed as Laurel, NE instead of Vaasa, Finland. This was done to make visa and work permit issues easier. His exchange student family is listed as his guardians.

Currently Evwaraye is a free agent.

Evwaraye has been named Finnish American football player of the year several times, including 2007.