A long time ago at Yale University, Walter Camp decided to change some rules to an older game called Rugby. Fast forward to 1892 when “Pudge” Heffelfinger became the first professional football player. Now…fast forward to 2014 when a professional, highly touted, downright superstar in the rugby world decided to forfeit his lifetime contract for a chance to play in the NFL. That player is Jarryd Hayne.
Hayne is by every means considered a superstar in the NRL. He’s big, fast, strong, and has a penchant for the extravagant. Does his skill-set apply to American football though? You be the judge.
Hayne is 6’2″ and approximately 220 lbs – Decent size for a receiver. Judging from his frame, it would even be possible for him to pack on some muscle and compete for a running back job. His speed on the edge could help him out returning punts and kickoffs as well. The only question is: Can he take an NFL Hit? Again…you be the judge.
This is a boom or bust situation. Either Hayne will be an absolute superstar in the NFL, or he’ll be a miserable football talent and return to Australia to continue being the Megatron of the NRL.
