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Tokyo Toe Kicks Into Record Books
30 Nov
Summary
- Kansei Matsuzawa achieved a historic season-opening streak for field goals.
- He overcame language barriers and a late start to football.
- Matsuzawa is now a finalist for the Lou Groza Award.

Kansei Matsuzawa, a kicker for the University of Hawaii, has achieved a historic feat by tying the FBS record for the longest season-opening field goal streak. Before each kick, Matsuzawa focuses with a personal mantra, a ritual that has propelled his success. His journey to this point is extraordinary, having only started playing football at 20. Matsuzawa taught himself English and kicking techniques by studying NFL clips, overcoming significant hurdles. After being overlooked by many programs, he eventually found a chance at a junior college before transferring to Hawaii. Now a Lou Groza Award finalist, Matsuzawa's near-perfect season has transformed stalled possessions into crucial points, capturing national attention. His success resonates not only in Honolulu but also back home in Japan, where fans wake early to watch him play.




