Omari Gates
Australians in the NFL include successful football code converts and players with high profiles. The first Australian to play American football at a meaningful level was Pat O'Dea in 1896, who was a College Football Hall of Fame and All-American player and set many kicking records. Since then, several athletes from Australian rules football, rugby league, and rugby union have been linked to potential NFL careers. The similarities between punting and aspects of Australian sports, as well as the propensity to train kicking skills from an early age, make Australians uniquely qualified as NFL punters. In recent years, a number of high-profile Australian athletes have attempted to make the switch to American football, notably Jarryd Hayne and Valentine Holmes. Australians seeking a career in the NFL can also attend academies such as Prokick Australia, which is aimed at training and assessing talented punters from Australia for positions in major U.S. teams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pathway to NFL teams for Australians | Limited to other professional Australian sports |
| Full-time development officers in Australia | Dwayne Armstrong |
| Full-time punting academy in Australia | Prokick Australia |
| Run by | Former NFL free agent Nathan Chapman |
| Aimed at | Training and assessing talented punters from Australia for positions in major U.S. teams |
| Similarities between punting and aspects of Australian sports | Kicking in Australian rules football, rugby union, rugby league, and soccer |
| Australians in American football | Darren Bennett, Ben Graham, Sav Rocca, Lou Hedley, Jordan Mailata, Daniel Faalele, Adam Gotsis, Jarryd Hayne, Valentine Holmes, Matt Burton, Nick Daicos |
| Watch NFL in Australia | DAZN, Kayo Sports, Channel 7, NFL Game Pass, Amazon Prime Video |
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What You'll Learn
Transition from Australian rules football
Transitioning from Australian rules football to the NFL is possible, as demonstrated by several athletes. The similarities between punting and aspects of Australian sports, as well as the strong kicking skills prevalent in Australian rules football, make Australians particularly well-suited to the position of punter in the NFL.
Punting is a highly specialised position in the NFL, requiring similar skills to those used in Australian rules football. The first Australian to play American football at a high level was Pat O'Dea, a former Australian rules footballer who played in 1896 and set many kicking records. More recently, Lou Hedley, Ben Graham, and Sav Rocca all transitioned from Australian rules football to successful careers in the NFL as punters.
To make the transition, it is important to develop the skills and fundamentals of American football, as well as the elite behaviours required to excel. Organisations like Prokick Australia aim to teach these skills and help athletes become eligible for scholarships at US colleges.
In addition to punters, there are also Australian offensive linemen in the NFL, such as Jordan Mailata and Daniel Faalele, and the sole Australian defensive player, Adam Gotsis.
While transitioning from Australian rules football to the NFL is challenging, the success stories of athletes who have made the switch demonstrate that it is possible. Developing the necessary skills, seeking out opportunities, and considering the unique qualifications that Australian athletes possess can increase the chances of success in transitioning to the NFL.
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Consider a position as a punter
If you're an Australian with a background in kicking, you may be uniquely qualified to be an NFL punter. The similarities between punting and Australian sports, as well as the prevalence of training in kicking skills from an early age, make Australians well-suited for this position. In fact, six of the 36 punters who played for National Football League teams in the 2023 season were born in Australia.
Punting academies such as Prokick Australia, which is run by former NFL free agent Nathan Chapman, can help you develop the skills and fundamentals of American football to excel at the college and NFL levels. The program has produced several successful punters, including Tom Hornsey, Tom Hackett, Mitch Wishnowsky, Michael Dickson, and Max Duffy, who have won the Ray Guy Award for the nation's top punter.
If you're a strong-legged defender with a penchant for long-distance clearances, consider giving punting a try. It's a specialised position that requires similar skills to those used in Australian Rules football, rugby league, and rugby union. And with salaries up to five times higher than in Australian football, it can be a lucrative career choice.
To increase your chances of success, consider attending a punting academy or seeking out NFL scouts who are actively seeking punters from Australia. You can also look into obtaining a scholarship at a US college to get your foot in the door. With hard work and dedication, you may be the next Australian punting sensation in the NFL.
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Join a training academy, like Prokick Australia
Joining a training academy like Prokick Australia can be a great way to work towards your goal of making it to the NFL. Prokick Australia is a full-time punting academy that has successfully trained and assessed talented punters from Australia for positions in major U.S. sports leagues, including the NFL.
Prokick Australia offers an elite training program that prepares students for college-level punting and kicking. The program covers the mechanics and techniques required for American football, as well as the physical and mental demands of college football. You can expect to be tested and pushed to your limits, with training sessions focusing on kicking and punting three days a week and gym workouts for six days a week.
The academy also helps students become eligible for scholarships at U.S. colleges. They have an impressive track record, with FULL RIDE scholarships offered for 97% of their athletes, saving Australian families tens of millions of dollars in academic fees. Prokick Australia has successfully placed over 250 punters into U.S. colleges, with 95% of those on full scholarships.
To join Prokick Australia, you will need to be invited. The academy looks for athletes with strong character and performance both in the classroom and on the field. Additionally, you will need to ensure you meet the academic eligibility requirements for enrolment into college, which includes providing academic transcripts from years 9-12 and any university studies.
With its diverse and world-class coaching staff, Prokick Australia can provide position-specific, detail-driven, and elite training. The academy is a great option for those seeking to develop their skills and work towards a career in the NFL.
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Watch the NFL in Australia on DAZN
If you're an NFL fan in Australia, you can watch the games on DAZN. DAZN has secured the rights to broadcast the 2024 NFL season, covering all games throughout the regular season, postseason, and Super Bowl.
DAZN is available online or through its app, and you can sign up for an account to start streaming. While primarily known for its coverage of boxing, DAZN has expanded its offerings to include the NFL. It is worth noting that DAZN has received mixed reviews from users, with some reporting issues with picture quality, sound, and audio delays.
In addition to DAZN, there are other options for streaming the NFL in Australia. Channel 7 provides free coverage of select games, including the Playoffs and the Super Bowl. Kayo Sports also offers coverage of multiple games a week, although some users have reported that a large number of games are not broadcast on this platform.
If you're looking for a free trial, services like BritBox, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, and Foxtel Now offer a range of free trials from 7 to 30 days. These services may not offer the same extensive coverage of the NFL as dedicated sports streaming platforms, but they can be a good option to test out before committing to a paid subscription.
Lastly, for those with a Fetch TV set-top box, you can access NFL matches via ESPN. ESPN is included in the $20-per-month Ultimate Pack or as a $6-per-month Vibe Pack add-on.
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Choose an NFL team to support
Choosing an NFL team to support is a big decision, and with 32 teams in the league, it can be a daunting task. Here are some tips to help you choose a team to call your own:
Geography
One of the most common ways to choose a team to support is by geographic location. Supporting a team from your hometown or region can add a sense of personal connection to your fan experience. If you don't have a local team, consider a team that is relatively close by, so you can travel to watch games and connect with fellow fans in your area.
Team Culture and History
Each NFL team has its own unique culture and history. Familiarize yourself with the team names, logos, and colours, as well as their recent achievements and notable players. Consider the team's overall performance, coaching staff, and player roster. Understanding a team's playing style and history can help you decide if it aligns with your values and interests.
Rivalries
Rivalries between teams can add excitement and intensity to the game-day experience. Consider if you have friends or family who support a rival team, as this could make the rivalry more personal and thrilling.
Personal Connection
Choosing a team that matches your personality and preferences is essential. Consider taking a quiz that focuses on your values, interests, and lifestyle to help guide you in selecting a team that aligns with your unique characteristics.
Remember, once you've chosen a team, stick with them through the good and the bad. Being a fan is about more than just winning; it's about community and passion for the game.
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Frequently asked questions
Kicking is a skill that is central to Australian rules football, rugby union, and rugby league. This skill is transferrable to the NFL, particularly for the position of punter.
Some Australians who have made it to the NFL include Lou Hedley, Jordan Mailata, Daniel Faalele, Adam Gotsis, Jarryd Hayne, Valentine Holmes, and Ben Graham.
Australians can join academies such as Prokick Australia, which is run by former NFL free agent Nathan Chapman. These academies train and assess talented punters from Australia for positions in major U.S. football leagues.
