AFI’s All-Pandemic Team: DB – Bronson Beatty, Obic Seagulls

When the Obic Seagulls staged the biggest upset in the Japanese X Bowl since 2015, beating the reigning and five-time champion Fujitsu Frontiers 13-7 with a ferocious defense, the AFI All-Pandemic Team selection panel had to re-discuss a couple of choices and Seagulls all star defensive back Bronson Beatty was shifted from second team to starter.

Already on the panel’s radar, and a member of the All Japan defensive squad for three years running and Rookie of the Year in 2018, Beatty’s key interception during the championship game suddenly made the decision easier.  Beatty and his secondary teammates held the Frontiers to one passing touchdown. A native of Kahuku, Hawaii, the 6’2″, 198 pound 26 year old Beatty played for the Nihon University Phoenix in Japan’s Kantoh Collegiate American Football Association prior to joining the Seagulls for the 2018 season. Beatty was a key member of the Phoenix when they captured the Japanese collegiate championship in 2017, their first title since 1991.

Interestingly, he is the younger brother of Obic defensive lineman BJ Beatty who has been with the team since 2012.