When Dong Shi first saw a group of seniors throwing around an oval-shaped ball on a soccer pitch in his freshman year at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, he was fascinated.

"I thought 'Wow, it looks so cool but what are they playing?' That was my first impression of American football - intriguing but strange," said Dong, who is now in his senior year, majoring in physical health.

Driven by curiosity, he signed up with the university's football team and began to practice twice a week. He has since captained the varsity squad in regional and national competitions.