# Australians in American football

Australians in American football include not just a number of successful football code converts, but also a number of players with high profiles either before or as a result of their switching codes.
In Australia, there is an almost equal fascination, among the media and general public, of players linked to the National Football League (NFL) as there is for the Irish experiment.
Although Australians have participated at the highest level of American football, since the success of Darren Bennett as a punter and more recently Ben Graham, several athletes from Australian rules football, rugby league and rugby union have been linked to potential NFL careers.
The punting specialist position requires similar skills to those used in Australian Rules football. Salaries are up to five times higher and the position lends itself to longevity: Australian football players generally retire at around 30, whereas American football punters can play well into their 40s (Darren Bennett, played 11 seasons in the NFL after leaving an Australian rules career when he was nearing 30). Initially Australians sought out American football careers, although now NFL scouts are more often actively seeking punters from Australia.
The first Australian to play American Football at a meaningful level was former Australian rules footballer Pat O'Dea in 1896 who was a College Football Hall of Fame and All-American player who set many kicking records
Gridiron in Australia is only at amateur level, so the pathway for Australians to NFL teams is typically limited to other professional Australian sports. For almost a decade, the NFL has placed full-time development officers in Australia, including Australian rules football hopeful Dwayne Armstrong. There is a full-time punting academy in Australia, Prokick Australia, run by former NFL free agent Nathan Chapman, which is aimed at training and assessing talented punters from Australia for positions in major U.S. colleges and the NFL.
More recently, the Ray Guy Award, presented to the top punter in NCAA Division I FBS football, was won by Australians six times in the last seven seasons of the 2010s—by Tom Hornsey in 2013, Tom Hackett in 2014 and 2015, Mitch Wishnowsky in 2016, Michael Dickson in 2017, and Max Duffy in 2019. Hornsey played for the University of Memphis, Hackett and Wishnowsky for the University of Utah, Dickson for the University of Texas, and Duffy for the University of Kentucky. In the 2018 season, 30 FBS teams and about 35 teams in the second-tier Division I FCS had Australian punters.

## Australian sportsmen recruited by NFL teams

    a) brought to the US by an NFL team
    b) spent time training with an NFL team
    c) played in an NFL pre-season game
    d) offered an NFL contract by a team
    e) spent time on an NFL roster
* Australian sportsmen formerly associated with NFL team highlighted in blue played at least one game in the NFL
* Australian sportsmen highlighted in green are currently on an NFL roster
* Australian sportsmen highlighted in yellow are currently on an NFL practice squad
| Recruited | Player | Original sport | Original team | Position | Initial NFL team | NFL debut | NFL games played | Notes |
| 2023 | Patrick Murtagh | Australian Rules Football - Gold Coast Suns (VFL) | NFL International Player Pathway (IPP) program | TE | Detroit Lions | | | Invited to NFL’s IPP international scouting combine in London. Following the combine was selected to take part in a training camp at the IMG Academy in Florida. Assigned by IPP to Detroit Lions on May 4, 2023. |
| 2023 | Lou Hedley | Australian Rules Football - Peel Thunder (Reserves) | University of Miami | P | New Orleans Saints | 2023 | 17 | Signed by New Orleans as an undrafted free agent on April 30 2023. |
| 2022 | Daniel Faalele | Rugby Union | University of Minnesota | OT | Baltimore Ravens | 2022 | 16 | Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round, 110th overall, of the 2022 NFL Draft. |
| 2021 | Max Duffy | Australian Rules Football – Fremantle Dockers | College Football scholarship with University of Kentucky Wildcats | P | Denver Broncos | | | Signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent on 24 May 2021. He was waived on 17 June. after the Toronto Argonauts selected Duffy in the fourth round of the 2021 CFL Global Draft on 15 April 2021. 34 games during his collegiate career at Kentucky University Duffy averaged 46 yards on his 151 collegiate punts, and he earned All-SEC honors in both 2019 and 2020. He also received a unanimous first-team All-American nod in 2019 and won the 2019 Ray Guy Award. |
| 2020 | Arryn Siposs | Australian Rules Football St. Kilda Football Club | College Football scholarship with Auburn University | P | Detroit Lions | 2021 | 30 | Signed with the Eagles on January 13, 2021, and made his debut in Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. |
| 2020 | Matt Leo | Rugby & Australian Rules Football (St. Michael's High School, Adelaide) | Iowa State | DE | Philadelphia Eagles | | | Signed to the Philadelphia Eagles practice September 6th, 2020, waived, placed on reserve/COVID-19 squad July 28th, 2021, activated September 8th, 2021 waved and resigned to the Eagles practice squad September 9th, 2021. |
| 2019 | Valentine Holmes | Rugby League | Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks | RB/KR | New York Jets | | | New York Jets Running Back/Punt Returner (2019)* |
| 2019 | Mitch Wishnowsky | Australian Rules Football | College Football scholarship with University of Utah | P | San Francisco 49ers | 2019 | 66 | 110th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft. |
| 2018 | Jordan Mailata | Rugby League | South Sydney Rabbitohs Under 20s team | OT | Philadelphia Eagles | 2020 | 45 | 233rd overall pick in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL draft. |
| 2018 | Michael Dickson | Australian Rules Football | College Football scholarship with University of Texas | P | Seattle Seahawks | 2018 | 82 | Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round, 149th overall, of the 2018 NFL draft. |
| 2018 | Keith Wrzuszczak | Australian national pole vault team | College Football scholarship with Eastern Kentucky Colonels football | P | Indianapolis Colts | | | Wrzuszczak went undrafted in the 2018 NFL Draft. Was unsuccessful in competing for Colts punting spot. He averaged 41.4 yards per punt, which was six-best in the nation in 2017 and broke the 51-year-old EKU record of 78 yards with an 84-yard punt against Tennessee-Martin. |
| 2017 | Cameron Johnston | Australian Rules Football Melbourne Football Club | College Football scholarship with University of Ohio State | P | Philadelphia Eagles | 2018 | 82 | Signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent on 11 May 2017. He was waived on 2 September 2017. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles on 3 January 2018. Philadelphia Eagles (2017–2020) Houston Texans (2021–2023) Pittsburgh Steelers (2024–present) |
| 2016 | Adam Gotsis | Monash Warriors -Gridiron Victoria Australian Rules Football | College Football scholarship with Georgia Tech | DT | Denver Broncos | 2016 | 104 | 2nd Rnd, 63rd overall pick in the 2016 draft. The highest ever for an Australian. Fifth-year defensive end spent the first four seasons of his career in Denver before signing with Jacksonville Jaguars in August 2, 2020. |
| 2016 | Lac Edwards | Australian Rules Football | College Football scholarship with Sam Houston State | P | New York Jets | 2016 | 74 | 235th overall pick in the seventh round at the 2016 NFL draft. New York Jets (2016–2019) Carolina Panthers (2021–present) |
| 2016 | Blake Muir | Gridiron - Sutherland Seahawks, Sydney | College Football scholarship with Baylor Bears football | OG/OT | Atlanta Falcons | | | Signed as an undrafted rookie with the San Francisco 49ers. Moved to the practice squad with the Green Bay Packers and then Atlanta Falcons in the 2016 season. Was part of the Falcons team that won the 2016 NFC Championship game and played in Superbowl LI. Was All Big 12 in 2015 and honorable mention 2014 for Baylor Bears as an offensive lineman. Started all 37 games as a college player. Transferred from University of Hawai'i where he started 12 games at left tackle as a redshirt Freshman. |
| 2016 | Tom Hackett | Australian Rules Football – Scotch College, Melbourne | College Football scholarship with University of Utah | P | New York Jets | | | Signed as an undrafted rookie on 1 May 2016 and waived on 28 July 2016 after the team re-signed quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. In Salt Lake City the 23-year-old won two Ray Guy Awards and earned two Consensus All-American selections and All-Pac-12 1st Team 2013, 2014, 2015 and named in the Pac-12 All-Century team. |
| 2016 | Joel Wilkinson | Australian Rules Football | Gold Coast Suns (played 26 games for the Suns from 2011 to 2013) | DB | Arizona Cardinals | | | The Cardinals signed the 24-year-old, who used to play for the Gold Coast Suns, as a cornerback. |
| 2015 | Jarryd Hayne | National Rugby League | Parramatta Eels (2006–2014) | RB | San Francisco 49ers | 2015 | 8 | 3 March 2015, 49ers sign Hayne's as a running back (undrafted free agent), three-year contract with US$100,000 guarantee. |
| 2015 | Jordan Berry | Western Crusaders (Gridiron Victoria) Australian Rules Football (Calder Cannons TAC Cup under-18s) | College Football scholarship with Eastern Kentucky Colonels football | P | Pittsburgh Steelers | 2015 | 108 | Steelers sign punter Berry to their offseason roster in April. Berry was a three-time All-OVC punter and part of a punting unit that ranked first in the OVC and fifth nationally (FCS) in net punting at 39.08 yards per punt in 2014. Pittsburgh Steelers (2015–2020) Minnesota Vikings (2021–present) |
| 2015 | Sam Irwin-Hill | Australian Rules Football (Bendigo Pioneers TAC Cup under-18s) | College Football scholarship with University Arkansas Razorbacks football | P | Indianapolis Colts | | | Colts sign punter Sam a two-time Ray Guy Award candidate on a tryout basis in the rookie mini-camp – undrafted free agent. Best known for his memorable 51-yard touchdown against Texas A&M in September 2014. Colts cut the Arkansas graduate and, after being waived by a couple of teams, he signed with San Diego Fleet in October 2018. |
| 2014 | Tom Hornsey | Australian Rules Football (Geelong Cats – VFL) | College Football scholarship with Memphis Tigers football | P | Dallas Cowboys | | | Hornsey went undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft after winning the Ray Guy Award last season – presented annually to the nation's top college punter. Played preseason with Dallas Cowboys, waived 26 August 2014 after 2 games. Hornsey took part in the New York Jets' rookie minicamp in the spring of 2014. Cowboys re-Sign Hornsey as possible competition for restricted Jones – 17 February 2015 |
| 2014 | Alex Dunnachie | Australian Rules Football (Victorian Amateur Football Association) | College Football scholarship with University of Hawaii. Banyule under-19's (VAFA) 2008 | P | New York Jets | | | Dunnachie went undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft. Was unsuccessful in competing for Jet punting spot. He averaged 46.2 yards per punt, which was fourth-best in the nation in 2013. Dunnachie landed a spot punting for the SoCal Coyotes in a 1AAA league in the USA. |
| 2013 | Brad Wing | Australian Rules Football (Sandringham Dragons TAC Cup under-18s) | College Football scholarship with LSU | P | New York Giants | 2014 | 64 | Wing went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft and was signed by Philadelphia Eagles. After being released by the Eagles – 25 August 2013, Wing played a preseason game with New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers. Added to Pittsburgh Steelers team roster for 2014 season on a 1-year/$420k contract, including an annual average salary of $420,000. He became the first Australian to throw for points in the NFL (threw a two-point conversion). 2016–17 season starts with the Giants giving Wing a 3-year/$6.425 million contract. Pittsburgh Steelers (2014) New York Giants (2015–2017) |
| 2013 | Jesse Williams | Bayside Ravens Gridiron Club (2005–07) & Queensland Gridiron under-19 Australian National Champions | College Football scholarship with University of Alabama & Arizona Western College | DT | Seattle Seahawks | | | Williams was taken in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL Draft with the 137th overall selection by the Seattle Seahawks. Williams signed a 4-year/$2.37 million contract, including a $211,052 signing bonus, with $211,052 guaranteed, and an annual average salary of $592,763. First native Australian to win a Super Bowl ring after Seattle's victory in Super Bowl XLVIII . Williams was cut after the 2015 season after battling injury and cancer and failing to make a first team start. |
| 2012 | Hayden Smith | Rugby Union | Saracens FC | TE | New York Jets | 2012 | 5 | The New York Jets signed Smith on 3 April 2012, waived him on 31 August 2012 and signed him to their practice squad. On 27 October 2012, he was promoted to the active roster from the practice squad. He was released on 26 August 2013, following which he returned to playing Rugby Union. |
| 2010 | David King | Australian Rules Football (semi-professional) | Bundoora Football Club (Diamond Valley Football League 2001–2002), Euroa Football Club (Goulburn Valley Football League 2003–2007) & Norwood Football Club (Eastern Football League 2008) | P | New England Patriots | | | He was signed by the New England Patriots 14 April 2010, but was waived 11 June 2010. |
| 2010 | Chris Bryan | Australian Rules | Carlton Football Club (2005–06) & Collingwood Football Club (2007–09), Games: 46. Goal: 19. Position: Ruckman | P | Green Bay Packers | 2010 | 4 | Contracted by the Green Bay Packers in 2010, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2010) and New York Jets (2011)* |
| 2007 | Anthony Rocca | Australian Rules Football | Sydney Football Club (1995–96) & Collingwood Football Club (1997–2009), Games: 242. Goals: 415. Position: Forward | P | Philadelphia Eagles | | | Signed with the Eagles, however got homesick and returned to Australia |
| 2009 | Jy Bond | Australian Rules Football | Richmond Football Club | P | Miami Dolphins | | | contracted by the Miami Dolphins in 2009 |
| 2007 | Sav Rocca | Australian Rules Football | Collingwood Football Club (1992–2000) & North Melbourne Football Club (2001–06) Games: 257. Goals: 748. Position: Forward | P | Philadelphia Eagles | 2007 | 112 | Oldest ever rookie in the NFL. Rocca signed a 2-year/$2.24 million contract with the Washington Redskins in 2013, including a $325,000 signing bonus, $325,000 guaranteed, and an annual average salary of $1,120,000. Philadelphia Eagles (2007–2010) Washington Redskins (2011–2013) |
| 2005 | Ben Graham | Australian Rules Football | Geelong Football Club (1993–2004), Games: 219. Goals: 145. Position: Forward. Captain: 2000–2002 | P | New York Jets | 2005 | 99 | First Australian to play in the Super Bowl. New York Jets (2005–2008), New Orleans Saints (2008), Arizona Cardinals (2008–2011) and Detroit Lions (2011–2012) where Graham signed a 1-year/$890k contract, including a $65,000 signing bonus, and an annual average salary of $890,000. New York Jets (2005–2008) New Orleans Saints (2008) Arizona Cardinals (2008–2011) Detroit Lions (2011–2012) |
| 2004 | Mat McBriar | Australian Rules Football (Warrnambool & District Football Netball League) | Brighton Grammar School Football team & Deakin University Football Club. College Football scholarship with University of Hawaii | P | Dallas Cowboys | 2004 | 141 | Went undrafted in 2003. Preseason game with Denver Broncos & Seattle Seahawks in 2003. First NFL game was with the Dallas Cowboys (2003–2011), Philadelphia Eagles (2012) and Pittsburgh Steelers (2013) and de-listed start of the 2014 season. Chargers added McBriar two-time Pro Bowler in December 2014 to a 1-year/$955,000 contract. |
| 2006 | David Lonie | Pole vault, Javelin, Soccer & Water polo. In 2006 competed in the Pan Pacific Games in Perth, Australia, in 1996 as a decathlete and pole vaulter | University of California | P | Washington Redskins | | | Signed by Washington as an undrafted free agent in May and released prior to start of season and spent rest of season out of football. In 2007 signed as a free agent by the Packers on 16 Feb, but suffered an ankle injury during the season, placed on injured reserve, then released in October. |
| 2004 | Nathan Chapman | Australian Rules Football | Brisbane Football Club (1993–97) & Hawthorn Football Club (1998, 2000) Games: 76. Goals: 17. Position: Defender (full-back) | P | Green Bay Packers | | | Contracted by the Green Bay Packers and played in 3 pre-season games. Rookie and senior mini-camps with the Chicago Bears. |
| 1995 | Darren Bennett | Australian Rules Football | West Coast Eagles (1987) & Melbourne Football Club (1989–93). Games: 78. Goals: 215. Position: Forward | P | San Diego Chargers | 1995 | 159 | Most successful Australian in the history of the NFL. Third highest average (4 punts) 59.50yrds San Diego vs Pittsburgh, 1 October 1995 (4–238) San Diego Chargers (1994–2003) Minnesota Vikings (2004–2005) |
| 1987 | Colin Scotts | Rugby union | Scots College & Australian Schoolboys Rugby team (1981). College Football scholarship with University of Hawaii | DT | Arizona Cardinals | 1987 | 7 | First Australian to receive an American College Football scholarship in the United States. Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 3rd round (70th overall) of the 1987 NFL Draft. Scott played as a defensive end and tight end in 1987 for the Arizona Cardinals. |
| 1965 | Colin Ridgway | Australian Olympic and Commonwealth Games High jumper | Track & field scholarship with Lamar Tech (now Lamar University) | P | Dallas Cowboys | 1965 | 3 | First Australian to play in the NFL. Ridgeway became the first High-jumper to clear seven-foot before accepting a track-and-field scholarship to what is now Lamar University. |

## Professional Australian sportsmen trialled with NFL clubs

* Max Duffy (2021 - Denver Broncos)
* Anthony Rocca (2010)
* Nick Davis (2008)
* Nathan Chapman (2004)
* Wayne Carey (2002 – Dallas Cowboys)
* Richard Osborne (1994)
* Tony Campbell (1994)
* Mark Harris (1973)

## Professional Australian sportsmen public stating an interest in switching to NFL

(either during or after their Australian professional careers)
* Dustin Martin Dustin "Dusty" Martin was thinking of switching sports to go play overseas NFL. He thought about being a Quarterback in early 2015
* Jarryd Hayne
* Scott Harding
* Brendan Fevola
* Anthony Rocca
* Dustin Fletcher
* Cory Paterson
* Todd Carney
* Willie Mason
* Trent Croad
* Paul Wheatley
* Greg Inglis
* Josh Hunt

## Female players of American football

* Jacinda Barclay
* Richelle Cranston