Sweden’s 8-time champion Carlstad Crusaders sign defensive lineman Josh Hill

Earlier this month, Sweden’s defending and eight-time champion Carlstad Crusaders signed defensive lineman Josh Hill.

The 6’3″, 265 lb native of  Glastonbury, Connecticut was a three year starter at Merrimack College (NCAA Div. II) in  North Andover, Massachusetts. He was a two-time captain, two-time all-conference selection and one-time all-region pick.He finished with 176 total tackles (104 solo) and 23 sacks and ranks  second in all-time program record books in career sacks.

American Football International:  How did you end up signing with Carlstad?

Josh Hill: After college I was being looked at by the NFL. Things did not work out with that, so I started to coach at a college. I started to really miss playing and then coach Gere [Carlstad head coach] reached out to me and and I was very excited to have an opportunity to play again with an amazing organization.

AFI:  Is this your first experience playing football overseas?

Hill: Yes I’ve actually never been out of the country, so this is a really exciting experience for me to be able to play in such a beautiful country.

AFI:  Tell us about your football background.

Hill: I have been playing football since I was 7 years old. I played high school football at Glastonbury high school in Connecticut, and I played college football at Merrimack college in Massachusetts. I was a two time captain, a two time all conference player and a one time All super region player in college.

AFI:  What do you look forward to in this next phase of your football career?

Hill:  I look forward to working as hard as possible to being the best football player I can be. I am excited to help my team win football games and ultimately a championship. I am willing to do what it takes to make that happen.

AFI: Have you had a chance to do much research on the Crusaders, football in Sweden and Sweden in general?

Hill: I have done some research on the Crusaders. They look to be a very successful team and I have talked to some former players who spoke of them very highly and really enjoyed their time there. I talked to one of my friends who I played with in college and he played football in Sweden he says it is very good football and he loved every minute of it. The country of Sweden is a beautiful place. I am very excited and to be able to live in Sweden for the next few months.

AFI: What do you bring to the team?

Hill:  I think I will be a good leader to the team. I love the game of football and I bring intensity and passion whenever I am on the practice or game field. I also am an explosive player who loves to make big plays and get after the quarterback.

AFI:  What are your expectations?

Hill:  I expect to play on a great team with great people and win a lot of football games. I am very appreciative of the opportunity to get to play football again, and I am working extremely hard to help my team as much as I possibly can. I can’t wait to get the season started I am very excited to be a Crusader.