Brison Burris definitely took the road less traveled and found a football haven far from home and in the most unlikeliest of spots, Amagaski, Japan, outside of Osaka.
The 5’11, 195 pound defensive back originally from New Orleans, Louisiana but who played football in Texas, just wrapped up his second season for the Asahi Soft Drink Challengers in the Japanese Xleague Area conference, Japan’s second division. Burris and the Challengers finished 3-0 in their Co-vid 19 shortened season. Last season, the versatile Burris was named first team all Xleague Area as a defensive back and kick returner. Off the field, Burris has enjoyed living in Japanese culture.
“Life in Japan is amazing, from the food to the people, everything is great. I’m still learning Japanese that’s my only struggle right now is communicating, but once I get that down it will be an easier transition for me”
Before dominating the Japanese gridiron, Burris was a standout football player and track star at Humble High School in Texas. Safe to say Burris had the burners as he was a first team all-district defensive back and ran a 10.7 in the 100-meters. After a stellar high school career Burris chose the University of Miami in Ohio (NCAA D1 FBS).
“I attended Humble high school in Humble, Texas. I relocated from Louisiana after hurricane Katrina. I had a great experience playing at Humble. Texas high school football is the best of the best, it prepares you to compete with any and everybody.”
Photo: Japan Football Fan
As a member of the Redhawks, Burris was a three-year starter, making 8 career interceptions, and 255 tackles. He was named MAC (Mid-American Conference) defensive player of the week and handled kick return duties. After his impressive career, Burris played in a college all-star game and received interest from the NFL and CFL.
“After college I was invited to NFLPA bowl, did a workout with Houston Texans, camp with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. I had opportunity to play in Europe but chose to keep training.”
After keeping his head down and training, Burris found out about the Japanese X-League and joined the Asahi Soft Drink Challengers for their 2019 season.
“I was training with a few of my friends and someone asked “ why don’t you go play football in Japan”. That same day I did my research on the X-League and now I’m here. I talked to a few of the guys on the team. We all had the same goals in mind and felt that if we come together as one we could make that happen.”
Burris looks forward to continuing to win in Japan and build the Challengers program. Look for his squad to be among Japan’s best in the 2021 season. Burris is determined to achieve the goals that he and team have set.
“My teammates and coaches we have the same set of goals. I’m here to continue that push for what we want”