Unlikely Journey to the NFL
The International Player Pathway (IPP) program has gained traction over the years, recently opening its doors to a wider range of professionals, including kickers. Among these candidates, Hiromasa Matsuzawa stands out for his unconventional journey to the NFL.
In Japan, soccer is a familiar sport, and the X-League, a semi-professional league, was established back in 1971. During the 1980s and 1990s, American universities often competed against Japanese teams, and flag football is a common activity in elementary schools. NFL games are regularly broadcasted nationwide during the regular season and playoffs, increasing the sport’s popularity.
Matsuzawa’s father, Tetsuhara, played quarterback at a Japanese university, but left the team after a single season due to disappointing opportunities. For thirty years, he seldom mentioned American football. Matsuzawa’s early exposure to the sport was limited; he mainly recognized players like Tom Brady and Joe Montana, his father’s favorite.
Initially, Matsuzawa envisioned a future in Japan, attending university and pursuing a traditional career. However, he faced challenges with the rigorous national university entrance exam, failing not once, but twice. This led him to question his future goals, prompting feelings of despair. “I hit rock bottom,” he reflected, grappling with uncertainty about his path.
After graduating from high school in 2017, Matsuzawa took a part-time job as a server but spent the next two years largely in his room, playing video games and avoiding the outside world. “My family never pressured me, but those years were tough,” he recalled. Seeing his son struggle, his father urged him to travel to America for a fresh perspective.
A New Beginning in San Diego
In early September 2018, Matsuzawa arrived in San Diego with just a backpack and a narrow itinerary, planning to fly back to Japan two weeks later to catch an NFL game. “Watching American football in Japan is quite different,” he noted, underscoring the unique excitement of the sport.
Matsuzawa had heard of the San Francisco 49ers through his father, but as they were out of town for the start of the season, he attended a game in Oakland instead, where the Raiders faced the Los Angeles Rams. The experience was exhilarating yet isolating, as his limited English left him feeling helpless amidst the crowd. Nonetheless, the game sparked a determination in him to take charge of his life.
Supported by newfound resolve, Matsuzawa realized that by stepping outside Japan, he could redefine himself. “I want to achieve something great in America,” he expressed, aspiring to inspire others to pursue their dreams. Although he considered trying out for a more glamorous position like quarterback or receiver, his soccer background made place kicking a more realistic choice.
With a clear goal in mind, Matsuzawa turned to YouTube, studying NFL kickers such as Seattle Seahawks’ Jason Myers. He practiced diligently in local parks, eventually taking his ambition to the next level. Committed to honing his skills, he traveled 90 minutes each way to train with the Fujitsu Frontiers, a semi-professional X-League team. Eager for any opportunity, he offered to help out in any way, leading to invaluable access to training facilities.
Emerging as a Kicking Talent
During his time with the Frontiers, Matsuzawa not only improved his kicking abilities but also built relationships with coaches and players, who encouraged him to participate in kicking and weightlifting sessions. This training helped him create a highlight reel which he shared with U.S. junior college coaches. Matsuzawa showcased his athletic build at 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, ultimately securing a spot at Hocking College in rural Ohio.
Transitioning to Ohio presented its own set of challenges. To better understand English, Matsuzawa watched American sitcoms and classic films, while teaching himself to cook and even attempting to cut his hair. His initial experiences on the field were filled with setbacks, including a highly anticipated kick that went awry due to a mishandled snap.
Despite these hurdles, Matsuzawa improved significantly in his second season at Hocking, completing 12 of 17 kicks and impressing at a National Kicking Showcase. This performance caught the attention of the University of Hawaii, a Division I program that promised greater visibility to NFL scouts. Although he began as a reserve in his first season at Hawaii, he returned rejuvenated for the following year.
From Unknown to Rising Star
In a pivotal moment during last season’s opener, Matsuzawa made headlines by leading Hawaii to victory over Stanford with three field goals, including a decisive 38-yarder in the final minute. “Winning a game is the best moment of your life,” he declared, reveling in the sweet taste of success.
Following his remarkable performance, Matsuzawa quickly became a media sensation, receiving coverage from major outlets. He finished the season with an impressive 27 out of 29 successful field goals, tying the NCAA record for the most consecutive successful attempts in a season and marking a historic achievement for Hawaii.
Though he was not selected in the most recent NFL draft, excitement surrounding Matsuzawa continues to grow. As one of the most talked-about rookies, he received significant acclaim when the Raiders, the very team he watched during his first NFL experience, signed him as a free agent. “It’s a full circle moment,” he reflected.
Now training in Southern California, Matsuzawa has begun to attract attention from Hollywood, as Japanese media frequently visit to document his journey. He met his idol, kicker Jason Myers, and reflects on the unusual path that led him to the NFL. Currently, he remains focused on proving himself in a fiercely competitive atmosphere, driven by self-belief and a determination to succeed.
