The Basel Gladiators of Switzerland’s National League have signed defensive back/wide receiver Brandon Hathaway for the 2017 season.
The Gladiators are perennial playoff contenders in the Swiss league and won the championship in 2014.
Hathaway, 5’11”, 200 lb, is a native of Smyrna, Tennessee. He finished his college career at Wingate University (NCAA Div. II) after transferring from Murray State (FCS) where he played in 2012-2013. He was a first team All American at Wingate in 2014 recording 72 tackles, six interceptions and 10 pass break ups that year. With 4.4 40 yard speed, he can also play receiver and kick returner.
American Football International had a chance to find out a little more about Brandon before he heads to Basel.
AFI: How did you come to sign with the Basel Gladiators?
Hathaway: I signed with the Basel Gladiators after being contacted by them on Europlayers.com. After messaging for a little bit Coach Wood, the head coach called me and we began communicating on the phone and everything fell in place.
AFI: Did you know about American football in Switzerland or Europe before now?
Hathaway: Yes. I previously played at Murray State University for two years before transferring to Wingate University. I had close teammates from there that played in Spain and Germany.
AFI: What are you looking forward to most about playing in Switzerland?
Hathaway: Just new attitude and flavor of American football honestly and a lot of fun to the game . I want to embrace Switzerland but also give Switzerland a little of me.
AFI: What do you think you can bring to Basel in 2017?
Hathaway: I look forward to the new scenery and experiencing a different culture and style of football . I want to be able to take as much as from Switzerland as I can and also travel to different countries while I’m already over there.
Interested in playing American football in overseas?
Register on Europlayers.com.
Europlayers is the largest online database of American football players, teams and coaches. It is a connector, bringing together and introducing athletes to overseas teams. On the site you can begin researching teams around the world. Once you create a profile, you become searchable by hundreds of American football clubs around the world.