Billy Gowers: A Boomer, A Barber And Now A 'Bow

From packed stadiums in Melbourne to the green turf at the University of Hawai'i, Billy Gowers’ journey into American football is anything but ordinary. At 29, the former Australian Football League forward has traded the oval ball for the spiraling pigskin of college football, joining the Rainbow Warriors as a freshman punter — a professional athlete in one sport, now starting fresh in another.

But his path to football started decades earlier, shaped by family ties and childhood dreams.

“I suppose it started a lot younger than when I got drafted,” he said, recalling his start in the AFL. “I've played footy since the age of four… both my grandpa and father played in the AFL professionally. So growing up it was quite common, I was around football a lot as a kid.”

A family legacy carried him to the Australian Football League where he was drafted at 18. Gowers spent one year with Carlton and another with the Western Bulldogs. What started as a dream quickly became disillusionment. “I was really young and probably pretty immature… I got spat out of the system quickly,” he said. “It was hard to get over that.”

Instead of giving up Gowers persevered. He moved through various levels of Australian football — from the VFL developmental league to even local country footy. Gowers would rediscover his joy for the sport while playing in the lower levels of Australian footy before returning to the VFL for Port Melbourne. In 2024, what he called his “best year of footy,” he would lead the league in goals and earn best and fairest for Port Melbourne.

Then came the pivot.

“It started in August last year, that's when I first touched an American football, really,” Gowers said. “I had a little kick at a park in Melbourne and the guy who I kicked with is the owner and the head coach of Prokick Australia. They've obviously got a big allegiance in American sport at the moment, and they've done so well with getting guys prepared and ready… so I started training with them.”

That kick was the beginning of a new chapter through Prokick Australia — the program that has helped launch dozens of Aussies into American college football. Gowers trained as a punter, ultimately catching the eye of UH special teams coordinator Thomas Sheffield during a Prokick session. 

“They told us about Billy. I evaluated Billy, and I went with Billy,” Sheffield said. “He quickly has become like the old man in the group… one of the leaders as far as the other specialists. He understands what it means to be professional and he does that through his actions and his words.”

Photos: Michael Klein, News Corp Australia

His leadership hasn’t gone unnoticed in the locker room. Jack Mowrey, Billy’s long snapper, said the age gap between Gowers and the rest of the roster is a running joke, but it’s also what makes him such a valuable presence on the team. At 29 years old, Gowers is the third-oldest player in FBS football entering the 2025 season.

“It’s kind of funny for me being his teammate, and I have two years in college football, and he has none, and he’s 29 years old,” Mowrey said. “But, he’s been an incredible teammate since he stepped in here. He’s insanely mature… always got that football in his hands… and he has the desire to be great.”

Whether in team meetings or walking around the facility, Gowers is rarely seen without a football in his hands — practicing his drop, molding the ball, and gaining knowledge from anyone he can.

Now in Manoa, he’s part of a legacy of Australian punters who have found success at UH. And he’s making sure to keep those connections alive. Prior to arriving  on island he made contact with former Rainbow Warriors Stan Gaudion, Lucas Borrow, Matt McBriar (a two-time NFL All-Pro selection) and Scott Harding, who just like Gowers was an AFL player before transitioning to college football in Hawai'i.

“Being able to bounce ideas off them has been really good and hopefully I can continue that legacy of Australian punters making an influence here,” Gowers said.

Away from the field, Gowers has built a different kind of legacy. He wanted to create something of his own, a place where people felt welcome, and where men, in particular, could feel comfortable opening up.

“I've always been interested in hair and fashion… but it kind of started off with men's health, to be honest,” he said. “I am very passionate about health in general, but men's mental health especially. Being in the AFL, seeing and feeling firsthand the struggles that some men go through, I wanted to do something about it.”

This vision became Zeppelin, the barbershop he co-founded with a longtime friend. A space that wasn’t only for haircuts, but also connections.

“I thought, why don’t I start a barbershop? Somewhere my family, my friends, mates, new people that I know, can all come and hopefully feel comfortable.”

In the chair, conversations happen naturally. Clients come in for a trim, but leave with more than just a fresh cut. 

“Being able to meet new people, create new skills that are transferable anywhere around the world is a pretty cool thing that I'm certainly proud of.”

As much as barbering fulfills him, football still fuels him. And now, the focus is on making his mark in a sport he’s only just begun to play.

“At Hawai‘i, to start, I’d love to win a lot of games,” Gowers said. “I’ve never played this sport before, but I could imagine it’s like most sports. When you’re winning, it's a lot more enjoyable.”

The long-term dream is clear.

“To get to the NFL… I'll certainly be giving it my hot shot,” he said. "Being a bit older, my time clock’s probably running out a bit, so I'm making sure I'm really efficient with my time.”

Gowers isn’t chasing attention or redemption. He’s chasing growth, consistency, and the next challenge. He’s gone from AFL fields to the barbershop, and now to the gridiron.

Reflecting on his journey, Gowers said: “Everyone's got a different map or a different road to where they want to go. Just being able to adapt, change, and use your maturity can really help.” 

Through every challenge, Gowers has proven resilience is his greatest strength.

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