Well-traveled veteran QB Clark Hazlett has taken his game to Australia
Through American football, Clark Hazlett has pursued his passion for the game while exploring diverse cultures across the globe. Since graduating from Linfield University in Oregon, the quarterback has embarked on a remarkable international journey, playing in France, the Czech Republic, Mexico, and most recently with the UNSW Raiders in Sydney, Australia.
AFI recently spoke with Clark about his unique path, his experiences in Australia, and what lies ahead.
AFI: How did you first start playing football abroad, and what motivates you to continue?
Clark: My journey playing overseas began when my first head coach in France discovered me on YouTube and reached out through Europlayers. What keeps me going is the opportunity to share my experiences as an international athlete playing American football around the world. I’ve built a brand documenting this journey on my YouTube channel, which started back in 2017 during my college days.
Through social media and marketing, I’ve been able to grow awareness of American football globally and help promote teams and leagues worldwide. Growing up, I didn’t know playing overseas was even an option. Like most kids, my dream was to play in the NFL. Now, I want to inspire the next generation to see possibilities they might not have imagined—playing football in other countries even after their college days are over.
I aim to keep playing as long as I can in as many countries as possible while being a role model, showing others that they can achieve dreams they didn’t know existed.
Winning Australia’s Waratah Bowl in 2023 stands as a defining moment in Clark Hazlett’s football journey, one that has taken him across continents.
AFI: From your time playing in multiple countries, what insights have you gained about football as it’s played outside the U.S.?
Clark: The biggest lesson I’ve learned about football overseas is that it’s so much more than just the game. Football has grown worldwide, but what makes it special is the sense of community in each city and country I’ve played in. Being part of those communities, experiencing unique opportunities, and sharing a love for the sport has been incredibly rewarding. Acting as an ambassador for the game—teaching, uniting players, and helping the sport grow—has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my journey.
In Australia, I truly played for the love of the game. While they covered my accommodations, there wasn’t a salary like in leagues in Europe or Mexico. This experience reminded me why I fell in love with football in the first place. I know many people back home dream of having the opportunities I’ve had, and I’m incredibly grateful. I’ll continue documenting and sharing my journey on social media for anyone who wants to follow along.
Clark Hazlett playing for the Vysočina Gladiators in the Czech Republic. Photo: Lukas Kenji Vrabel.
AFI: How would you compare the football scene in Australia to the other countries you’ve played in?
Clark: Australia is definitely unique compared to the other countries I’ve played in. What stands out here is that players aren’t on a salary; they receive some help with accommodations, but playing football in Australia is all about passion for the game. Most players have to find work, and they get a working visa for that. Thankfully, I can work online, which helps me support myself.
As an American, Australia feels like the U.S. turned upside down. There are so many similarities that feel comforting, yet there are challenges, like driving on the opposite side of the road. Living in Sydney has been incredible. I never realized how amazing the city is—close to beaches, great weather, and the Australian summer coinciding with the football season. Experiencing a culture similar to home but with its own unique twist has been eye-opening. I’ve truly fallen in love with Australia and would love to return to help continue growing the sport here.
Football in Australia has a lot of talent, largely thanks to the rugby influence, and the league has significant room for growth. With football (or “gridiron,” as it’s called here) joining the Olympics, the sport is poised to expand further. One thing the country could use is better coaching, outside influence, and more import players like me to help grow the game and act as ambassadors.
One of the best parts of being in Australia is that everyone speaks English, which has allowed me to connect with my teammates and coaches in ways I couldn’t in other countries where language barriers existed. This has made building bonds and friendships with my teammates here easier than anywhere else I’ve played (aside from the U.S.).
Playing for the Touraine Pionniers in France
AFI: What was your favorite part of last season with the Raiders?
Clark: My favorite part of last season with the Raiders was definitely winning the GNSW championship. That victory was special, and it marked a moment when I truly rediscovered my love for the game.
The season started with a different experience. In 2023, I began playing for the Gallos Negros in the LFA. We had a rough start, going 0-5, and I ended up getting cut. Just two weeks later, I was traded to the Dinos de Saltillo, where I got a bit of playing time but ultimately served as the backup quarterback. We reached the national championship in June but came up short. After that, I moved to Australia in July, and I’ve been here ever since. It’s been about eight months now, and this is the longest I’ve ever lived in a country while playing for one specific team.
Playing for the Gallos Negros in Mexico’s LFA
As I mentioned earlier, the shared language here in Australia has allowed me to form stronger bonds and connections with my teammates than I’ve experienced with any other team. My guys really embraced the culture established by our head coach, Andrew Brundu. Winning the first championship in nearly twenty years was an incredible achievement, and I’m beyond thankful for the opportunity to be a part of it. The Raiders truly feel like a family, and that’s why I’m eager to return next year to play for them again and try to win back-to-back championships.
AFI: What’s your favorite part about being an American football player in Australia, or just living in Australia in general?
Clark: My favorite things about living in Australia are definitely the weather, the beaches, and the chance to live in a vibrant city like Sydney. The diversity here is incredible, and as an American with my accent, I get some interesting attention! Growing up, I didn’t fully realize how beautiful and amazing Australia is, but now that I’m here, I absolutely love it. I’m also excited to see how much American football is growing in the country.
There’s so much talent in Australia, but the game is still held back by a lack of ambassadors—like imports and coaches from America—who can help elevate the sport. However, progress is being made, and I’m optimistic that the leagues here will continue to grow next year.
Off the field, I’ve discovered that Australians have a big love for country music. One of my goals this year is to start performing country music gigs around Sydney. It’s a dream come true for me, playing football internationally while also pursuing my passion for music and singing country songs.
AFI: After winning the Warath Bowl in December, what’s next for you in your football career?
Clark: Right now, I’m in the recruiting process. I won’t be returning to the LFA or Mexico in 2024, so it looks like I’ll be heading back to Europe for a season, though I’m not sure where yet. However, my plan is to return to Sydney in September to play another season with the Raiders.
Source: https://www.americanfootballinternational.com/well-traveled-veteran-qb-clark-hazlett-has-taken-his-game-to-australia/
