An Australian rugby league star is making waves in the NFL
There were plenty of doubters when NRL superstar Jarryd Hayne gave up a lucrative rugby league career Down Under to chase his dream of playing American football, but the 27-year-old took the first lightning fast steps towards proving himself last night.
Hayne was signed by the San Francisco 49ers and made his first appearance against live opposition during last night’s first preseason game against the Houston Texans.
With teams using these early games to test out new or inexperienced players, Hayne saw plenty of action and didn’t take long to show off his talents, breaking off a 53-yard second-quarter run to set up the Niners’ only touchdown in a 23-10 defeat.
https://twitter.com/JohnMiddlekauff/status/632715593473355777
There were plenty of Australian media outlets present, and they got a little carried away…
Jarryd Hayne peels off 53-yd carry, much to delight of some members of AustraliaN media. Announcement: “Reminder, no cheering in press box."
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 16, 2015
Hayne is aiming to win a job as a running back but can also fall back on his ability to field punts and kick-offs, where he also excelled last night.
Jarryd Hayne had the longest run, the longest punt return and longest kick return of the evening for the #49ers.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) August 16, 2015
