American Football Australia Partners with Elite Pacific to Deliver Pathways to the USA

American Football Australia is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Elite Pacific, founded by former NFL defensive tackle Jesse Williams, to help identify and prepare talented young athletes across Australasia for success in American Football both on and off the field.

The partnership signals a major step forward in the development of elite-level tackle football in Australia and the Pacific region, providing local players with structured pathways to pursue their athletic and educational dreams in the United States through high school, college, and beyond.

Jesse William's former Superbowl winner with the Seattle Seahawks, coaching his Elite Pacific program participants.

Jesse Williams, widely recognised as one of Australia’s trailblazers in American Football, enjoyed a storied college career at the University of Alabama and became the first Australian to win a Super Bowl as a member of the Seattle Seahawks. Despite his playing career being cut short following a cancer diagnosis, Jesse remains deeply committed to growing the game and mentoring the next generation of players.

Through Elite Pacific, Jesse has created a development-first program that prioritises placing athletes into the right system, with the right support, to succeed.

“I was exactly like these kids. Football was a powerful change of trajectory in my life,” Williams said.

“My goal is to make something that lasts longer than me—something that gives Australian and Pacific Islander athletes a real shot at success in football, education, and life. This isn’t about shortcuts; it’s about doing it right.”

The partnership is built on aligned values, shared ambition, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by young athletes entering the competitive world of American Football in the U.S.

“American Football Australia is absolutely thrilled to have partnered with Jesse Williams and Elite Pacific,” said AFA CEO Wade Kelly.

“As a player, Jesse experienced the incredible highs and lows that professional sport and life can throw at you. It’s the way he’s continued to lead with dedication, perspective, and resilience that makes him such an important mentor for our emerging talent.” 

“We’re focused on growing the sport here in Australia and creating legitimate opportunities for our players to take their game, and their education to the highest levels. This partnership with Jesse and Elite Pacific helps us do exactly that.”

Athletes identified through national and regional combines, workouts, or talent ID events are entered into Elite Pacific’s digital development system. From there, they receive ongoing mentorship, technical support, and physical training while undergoing evaluation for potential placement in suitable U.S. programs.

“We don’t just throw darts at a board,” Jesse added.

“We get to know the athletes and their families, and we place them where they’ll grow. We want 100 kids to go over and 100 to stay, thrive, and finish their goals. That takes trust, patience, and the right systems.”

With demand surging and Australian participation in American Football growing rapidly, this partnership delivers meaningful infrastructure and support for long-term development connecting talent from local clubs to international opportunities.

“Football in Australia is still developing in terms of playing stock, but the interest is absolutely there,” said Williams.

“We’re tapping into that interest and building systems to help kids, and their families navigate the journey safely and successfully.”

Stay tuned as American Football Australia and Elite Pacific continue to announce new initiatives, camps, and athlete placements as part of this game-changing collaboration.