Billy Gowers: Ex-AFL gun stuns Americans in his college football debut
Ex-AFL star Billy Gowers has stunned Americans on their home turf after his impressive debut as a punter in college football.
The 29-year-old played 33 games for the Western Bulldogs and was the side’s leading goalkicker in 2018, but Gowers has been a busy man since his time in the league wrapped up in 2020.
Life after the AFL has seen Gowers lead the VFL for goals kicked in 2024 with 50 for Port Melbourne.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.It garnered interest from the Pro Kabaddi League and he has now even opened a barbershop.
However, the forward has started his newest venture in the US, playing college American football for the University of Hawai’i as a punter.
Aussies have started to become a more frequent sight in American Football, with many being scouted to play punter.
During their season opener on the weekend, Gowers left Americans stunned for two reasons after the commentators introduced him as “a 29-year-old Aussie who can kick with either foot”.
Gowers then boomed a punt for 67 yards (61m), but it wasn’t the kick that left Americans shocked — with many taken aback by his ability to kick with both feet.
“Dawg both feet is wild,” a person commented.
“Ambipedal is very impressive (for real),” another chimed in.
Others were impressed with the height of the punt, with one viewer saying: “Air traffic gotta clear the skies for Hawaii games.”
Another point that left many stunned was Gowers’ age. Entering his first season of college as a 29-year-old freshman will easily make him the oldest player in most games this season, with players typically in the 18-23 range.
But Gowers wasn’t the biggest talking point from the win.
That came from another international student with a handy foot, Kansei Matsuzawa.
The kicker for Hawai’i has moved to America from Japan after teaching himself how to kick a football by watching YouTube videos.
The self-taught skill paid off big time, with the 26-year-old named the teams main kicker this season.
In his first game, Matsuzawa made all three field-goals, including a game winner as time was counting down to give his side a 23-20 win over Stanford.
