From Japan to the NFL: Kansei Matsuzawa’s Improbable Football Journey

Kansei Matsuzawa, a 26-year-classic placekicker for the University of Hawai’i, is poised to become the first Japanese-born player in the National Football League. His improbable journey began with a tourist’s curiosity at an Oakland Raiders game in 2018 and culminated in an invitation to the NFL Combine and participation in the International Player Pathway program.

Matsuzawa’s path to American football was initially derailed by academic setbacks in Japan. After twice failing a college entrance exam, he found himself adrift, having previously planned to play soccer in college. A two-week solo trip to the United States, arranged by his father, proved pivotal. Attending a Monday Night Football game between the Raiders and the Los Angeles Rams sparked an unexpected ambition: to become an NFL player, specifically a kicker.

Returning to Japan, Matsuzawa began a self-directed training regimen. He purchased two footballs and a kicking tee, studying the technique of Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers on YouTube and practicing in a local park, often late at night to avoid disrupting children’s play. He supplemented his training with a three-year stint at a Morton’s Steakhouse in Tokyo, saving money to pursue his dream. He also sought guidance from the Fujitsu Frontiers, a professional American football team in Japan, offering to function for them in exchange for field access.

In 2021, Matsuzawa enrolled at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Ohio, the only American junior college to respond to his highlight video. The transition was challenging. He initially struggled with the pace and nuances of spoken English, relying on basic communication skills while balancing classes, workouts, and practice. He handled kickoff duties in his first season, learning behind All-American Jeri Velasquez. By his second season, he earned the starting job, though his field goal percentage remained inconsistent, making 7 of 12 attempts, including a game-winning 50-yard kick in the rain.

Seeking further development, Matsuzawa connected with Chris Sailer, a prominent kicking instructor, who invited him to a showcase in Las Vegas. His performance there led to an invitation to Sailer’s Top 12 camp, where he impressed scouts and earned the attention of Thomas Sheffield, the special teams coordinator at the University of Hawai’i. Sheffield, captivated by Matsuzawa’s story and resolve, offered him a walk-on spot.

After redshirting in 2023, Matsuzawa became Hawai’i’s starting kicker in 2024. He struggled with pressure and performance anxiety, leading to a solid but unremarkable season. Recognizing the mental block, Sheffield connected Matsuzawa with the university’s sports performance staff. This intervention proved transformative. In 2025, Matsuzawa delivered a standout season, making 27 of 29 field goal attempts, including a career-long 52-yarder against Fresno State, and tying a 43-year-old FBS record with 25 consecutive made field goals to start the season. He became the first consensus All-American in Hawai’i program history and a finalist for the Lou Groza Award.

Matsuzawa’s success has garnered attention from NFL scouts. ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. Currently ranks him as the No. 5 kicker in the 2026 draft class. His participation in the NFL’s International Player Pathway program provides additional avenues for him to secure a roster spot, either through the draft or as a free agent, with a designated international practice squad position available as a fallback.