In an attempt to bring more attention to the growing numbers of talented athletes from around the world who are taking their games abroad, every week, AFI will name their weekly International Players of the Week, for high school and college football, throughout the 2017 season.
Criteria: For 2017, we are searching for football players from, or citizens of countries outside of the the 50 United States, and Canada, who are playing football in the 50 United States or Canada.
How the AFI community can help: If you fit the criteria, or know someone who does, please pass on the name of the athlete, home country and current school. If you are a high school or college coach or SID, please keep send AFI statistical updates on your international students each week.
AFI Players of the Week: November 16-19, 2017
Alexandre Holzinger
The 6’1, 360 pound offensive lineman from Neuotting, Germany, has been a huge part of the rise of Waldorf University football, helping the fledgling program to their first ever winning season (7-4) in only its fourth year of existence, and earning All North Star Athletic Association Honorable Mention along the way. In a 55-54, shoot-out of a season finale win over Jamestown, Holzinger and his Waldorf OL bulldozed their way to 377 yards rushing, and gave up zero sacks in 22 attempts.
Anthony Mahoungou
The Purdue wideout is a two time AFI Player of the week, and after his 7 catch, 135 yard, 2 touchdown performance in the Boilermakers win over Iowa, the Big Ten Conference joined AFI this time in honoring the big time talent from France, naming him the conference’s offensive player of the week.
Rafael Gaglianone
Wisconsin’s Junior kicker from São Paulo, Brazil, notched six points, three of which came on a 30 yard field goal, en route to the Badgers 24-10 win over #19 Michigan.
Bonus NFL Reverse International Player of the Week:
Hailing from San Mateo, California, Thomas Edward Patrick Brady, Jr. doesn’t fit our International Player of the Week criteria, but he pulled off a noteworthy NFL-first with some international flavor on Monday, in his New England Patriots 33-8 win over the Oakland Raiders, in Mexico City.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017, in Mexico City. Photo: Logan Bowles/NFL
With 339 yards passing, Brady became the first player in NFL history to throw for 300 yards in three different countries (the other two being England and the United States). AFI tips their hat to Mr. Brady for adding this unique record to his Hall of Fame career, and we also take this opportunity to give a big shout to all of our international QB readers, who have put up big passing numbers in multiple countries.
Who did we miss? Who do you know with a Player of the Week-worthy performance? Contact AFI to let us know the international athletes making a big impact on high school and college fields.