For the first time since 2012, Sweden’s Carlstad Crusaders will rely on an American quarterback with the signing of Shazzon Mumphrey for the 2019 season.
The 6’3″, 225 lb Mumphrey, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, spent two seasons at Florida A&M before transferring to the University of New Haven (NCAA Div. II) where he finished his career playing both quarterback and wide receiver. He spent the 2018 season with the Hildesheim Invaders of the German Football League where he threw for 1,137 yards and rushed for 365. He graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice earlier last year before signing with Denmark’s Triangle Razorbacks midway through the 2017 season, helping the team reach the Danish semifinals.
Philip Juhlin, who has been behind center since 2016, is pursuing opportunities in the German Football League.
Mumphrey is excited about the move to Sweden and playing for Carlstad:
“I want to come in and help strengthen something good already in the club and make sure we bring the Swedish title back to the Crusaders. It’s going to be a lot of fun. I see it as a great opportunity to play for a good coach in B.D Kennedy and in such a reputable organization as the Carlstad Crusaders.”
So after seven seasons with a Swedish quarterback, Carlstad has turned to an import quarterback.
Crusaders Sports Director, Rikard Borg:
“It was important for us to find a player who knows the conditions of playing in Europe. This will be Shazzon’s third season in Europe and understands what it takes. Shazzon is also a player we believe will be able to help develop the entire club by coaching other teams. Following the conversations we have had with Shazzon and with others, I am convinced that this is the right solution for us.”
Mumphrey spoke with American Football International about his background and playing in Europe.
AFI: Tell us a little about your background in football.
Mumphrey: I’ve been playing obviously a long time. Since 5 years old. I was pretty heavily recruited out of high school by some Mid-Major Schools and a lot of FCS places. Eligibility complications sent me the JUCO route before ending up at Florida A&M University (FCS). Spent some time there and thought It was best for me to finish my career at the University of New Haven where Played QB in 2015. I moved around a lot at QB and some WR in 2016. I’ve had a great football experience to this point, great HS career, pretty good college career and looking to have much success at this level. I am ecstatic to continue in Germany this upcoming season.
AFI: What are your overall thoughts about playing in Europe?
Mumphrey: I think that football in Europe is growing as a whole. Obviously the established leaves like, Germany, Austria, etc have some really good organizations but all over i can see It growing and progressing. Denmark was a good learning experience as far as culture and people. I was also put in situations where I had to use my football knowledge to help others from the younger guys all the way up to the national league team. I love that part of It. You get to do your job on the field/off the field, as well as coach up the youth.
Check out Shazzon Mumphrey’s highlights from the 2018 season with the Hildesheim Invaders
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