Denmark is better known for its colorful tulips than for football, but Danny Higgins, ’17, is hoping to change that.
For three years, Higgins led the Bridgewater State University football team as starting quarterback. His senior year the Bears captured the MASCAC title to advance to the NCAA Division III tournament, where they were runners-up against Alfred University.
Higgins still holds many BSU football records, including most career passing yards (6,091) and most career pass completions (474).
This March, the former Bear is taking his athletic prowess overseas to Denmark to join the Copenhagen Towers, an American football team that plays in the Danish American Football Federation.
“Danny has always been very competitive and a hard worker. He always performed well under pressure,” said Joseph Verria, BSU head football coach. “I am excited to hear that Danny has an opportunity to play football in Denmark. I think he will do very well there.”
Since graduated from BSU in 2017 with a degree in marketing, Higgins has sought opportunities to continue his football career.
After being recruited by Copenhagen coaches and staff, he realized this was his chance to continue playing the sport he loves.
“They have a great team, are a winning organization, and located in an unbelievable city,” he said. “It is the opportunity of a lifetime.”
Before Higgins was signed to play in Demark, and before he hit the gridiron at Swenson Field, the Manahawkin, New Jersey, native began his football career as a child, playing Pop Warner Youth Football. He continued playing for his hometown Southern Regional High School.
When it came time to choose a college, after his initial visit Higgins said he was sold on BSU.
“It has a great campus, good people and is in an awesome location,” he said. “Living close to Boston was great. The overall environment of the school was very good.”
After four years at Bridgewater, what stands out most to Higgins is the lifelong friendships he formed with his teammates.
“Coming to Massachusetts and not knowing anybody was an adjustment. But within that first year, and over my four seasons of playing, I not only made friends, I made brothers for life,” Higgins said. “Those memories with all of my teammates throughout the years are things I will remember forever.”
Now, he will create new bonds and memories in Denmark, and wants to tell today’s BSU students that anything is possible for those willing to make the necessary sacrifices.
“No matter if it’s for a quiz, a job, or a dream you have, everything is possible if you put the time and work in,” he said. “Nothing is given, everything is earned.”