Australian Rugby Superstar Jarryd Hayne has quit the Parramatta Eels to join NFL next season

The Australian International rugby superstar Jarryd Hayne has quit the National Rugby League (NRL/ RLFC) and his team, the Parramatta Eels, in order to pursue a spot on one of the 32 NFL teams next season. Jarryd Hayne believes he has what it takes to make a formidable punt or kickoff returner and is hopeful for his upcoming NFL debut following the 2014-2015 season. NRL's Jarryd Hayne is a superstar in his own right; he received the NRL's highest award for individual performance this year, the Dally M Medal, for the second time in his career.

In fact, NFL eyes have already been on Hayne. Namely, Reggie Bush who had made favorable statements while commentating on Fox Sports Australia about the 26 years old phenom. Bush commented that Hayne could play in the NFL immediately if he ever decided to switch sports. Indeed, Bush further remarked on the physicality and explosiveness of Hayne:

"He actually looks like an NFL running back. Looks like he could come play with us tomorrow...He's fast, strong and ... wow! Look at that hit. That's an NFL football hit. I like this guy."

Hayne will not be without his fair share of competition and adversity. Statistically speaking, few have made the successful transition from Australian Rugby to the National Football League. Jesse Williams, Defensive Tackle for the Seattle Seahawks (currently on the IR), is one of the few Australian natives to make a name for himself in the NFL. However, Williams also played great smash mouth ball at college football juggernaut program, University of Alabama, and is more in tune to nuances and competitiveness of NFL play. Another Australian rugby hopeful in 2006, Willie Mason, tried out for the New York Jets to no avail. Many other notable Australian rugby players who have made the successful transition are punters in the NFL.

Nevertheless, Hayne, a 6'2" 220 pound speedster, is confident that the time is appropriate to test the waters of the NFL. To play in the NFL is one of Hayne's highest aspirations. Hayne passed up a very respectable large sum contract with the NRL's Parramatta Eels to test his abilities and fulfill his NFL dreams. Hayne's agent, Wayne Beavis, stated that Hayne's speed and power and toughness (Rugby players battle on the field with no pads and no helmets) is the perfect match for a successful NFL showing. While it will most definitely be an uphill battle for the Rugby superstar, Hayne's has the right mindset and optimism about the possibly risky transition:

"I'm so passionate about the challenge that lies ahead for me, not only as an athlete but more so as a person...It's the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life. I'm leaving my teammates, friends, and most importantly my family; but for me to grow as an athlete and a person I feel this is the right step to take."

Indubitably, Jarryd Hayne and his journey into the NFL will not be without speculation and curiosity regarding what Hayne could bring to the table. For many NFL teams in need a special teams roster boost, Jarryd Hayne with his notably impressive acceleration, moxie and strength, very well could make a revitalizing addition to any NFL roster following this season. Publicity aside, Hayne could be the first great NRL showstopper to create serious waves on the grid iron in pro football.

References:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/11703333/aussie-star-jarryd-hayne-ditches-rugby-chase-nfl-dream

http://www.parraeels.com.au/news/2014/10/15/hayne_announces_move_to_us.html

Photography/ Image Courtesy:

Jarryd Hayne: NapaRazzi