IFAF World Team special teams coordinator Shinzo Yamada

Shinzo Yamada coached with the Japanese national team that won the bronze medal at the 2011 IFAF Senior World Championship in July.

Yamada has served as head coach of Japan's junior national team program, played in NFL Europe for the Amsterdam Admirals and also spent time in training camp with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playing for them during preseason. The 2001 Tokyo X-Bowl MVP is one of the most accomplished football players in Japanese history.

What does it mean to you to represent your country as a member of the World Team staff?

It means a lot. It's a privilege and an honor. Japanese national teams have been doing very well in the Junior and Senior World Cups so I want to show the world and Team USA that we can play at the highest level.

Why did you get into coaching?

I was a player and played in NFL Europe and I wanted to give back some of my knowledge to Japanese football. That's why I went into coaching.

Who is your favorite coach?

There are great coaches everywhere, especially in the United States. I was with John Gruden in Tampa Bay for training camp. He's one person I look up to as a coach.

Why did you start playing football?

I grew up in the United States when I was little. That's where I started playing football and baseball but all my friends played football so I started to play too. This was in Memphis. Football helped me improve my English. It's the ultimate team sport I think and I thought it helped me as a player and helped me learn English as well.

What do you hope to take from this event to help improve football in your country?

I just want to tell everyone in Japan that is a worldwide sport. It's not just an American sport. Hopefully it will be an Olympic sport someday.