Tokyo-Born Kicker Kansei Matsuzawa Aims to Ignite Raiders' Kicker Competition

The 'Tokyo Toe' could bring accuracy and global appeal to Las Vegas' special teams unit.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:19pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the powerful kicking motion of a football player, with the player's face and uniform details obscured by the dynamic brushstrokes.The 'Tokyo Toe' could bring a jolt of energy and global appeal to the Raiders' special teams unit.Las Vegas Today

The Las Vegas Raiders are set to hold an intriguing kicker competition ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, with the team eyeing Japanese kicker Kansei Matsuzawa as a potential addition. Matsuzawa, known as the 'Tokyo Toe', has an unconventional path to the NFL, teaching himself kicking through online videos before earning a scholarship at the University of Hawaii. His impressive college stats, including a 93.1% field goal percentage in 2025, have made him a finalist for the Lou Groza Award and caught the attention of NFL teams like the Raiders.

Why it matters

The Raiders' hiring of special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis signals a renewed focus on their kicking game, and drafting a talent like Matsuzawa could create healthy competition with veteran kicker Matt Gay. Matsuzawa's global backstory and personal connection to the Raiders franchise also make him a compelling prospect who could bring both on-field impact and off-field appeal to the team.

The details

Matsuzawa, 27, taught himself the art of kicking by watching YouTube videos, leading to a scholarship at the University of Hawaii. His college career was marked by impressive accuracy, including a 93.1% field goal percentage in 2025 that earned him a Lou Groza Award finalist nod. The Raiders' hiring of special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis, known for his player development skills, could help unlock Matsuzawa's potential and push veteran kicker Matt Gay to new heights through competition.

  • In 2025, Matsuzawa made 27 out of 29 field goal attempts (93.1%) at the University of Hawaii.
  • Matsuzawa was a finalist for the 2025 Lou Groza Award, given to the nation's top collegiate kicker.

The players

Kansei Matsuzawa

A 27-year-old kicker from Tokyo, Japan, who taught himself the art of kicking through online videos before earning a scholarship at the University of Hawaii. His impressive college stats and global backstory have made him a potential target for the Raiders in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Matt Gay

The Raiders' veteran kicker, who had his best seasons under new special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis when they were both with the Los Angeles Rams. The Raiders are hoping to recapture that success through a healthy competition with a prospect like Matsuzawa.

Joe DeCamillis

The Raiders' new special teams coordinator, known for his player development skills. He will work closely with both Matsuzawa and Gay to improve the team's kicking game.

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What they’re saying

“Kansei Matsuzawa's journey to the NFL is a testament to the power of self-belief and the global reach of the league. His accuracy and potential could be a game-changer for the Raiders.”

— Author

What’s next

The Raiders will closely evaluate Matsuzawa's performance and potential during the 2026 NFL Draft process, weighing whether to select him to create a kicker competition with veteran Matt Gay.

The takeaway

The Raiders' pursuit of Kansei Matsuzawa, the 'Tokyo Toe', highlights the team's commitment to improving their special teams unit and the value they place on fostering a competitive environment. Matsuzawa's global backstory and proven college accuracy could make him a compelling addition who brings both on-field impact and off-field appeal to the Raiders.