Hayne quits rugby, takes a shot at NFL
Print Edition
AUSTRALIAN rugby league superstar Jarryd Hayne yesterday dropped a bombshell by quitting the sport to pursue an NFL career in the United States, despite not having a contract.
Just 24 hours after being named in Australia’s squad for the Four Nations tournament, Hayne announced he was leaving the Parramatta Eels in an unprecedented code swap to American football.
“For the past 24 months I’ve been thinking about having a crack in the NFL, and over the last 12 months I’ve been seriously considering it,” Hayne said. “Today I can officially announce that I will be heading to the United States to pursue an opportunity to play American Football.”
The 26-year-old fullback recently visited the reigning Super Bowl champions Seattle Seahawks, but said he had no deal and would be a free agent, giving up a lucrative National Rugby League salary.
“It’s not going to be easy. I don’t have any experience in NFL, I don’t have a contract, I haven’t signed with anyone,” an emotional Hayne said.
“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’ll be a free agent, it will give me the opportunity to go over there and train and potentially, hopefully, play NFL one day,” said Hayne, who last month won the NRL’s highest individual honor, the Dally M Medal, for the second time.
He said he was immediately withdrawing from the Australian squad for the Four Nations tournament, with the Kangaroos due to face New Zealand on October 25.
There was no word on why Hayne made his decision yesterday, just one day after the Kangaroos squad was announced.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the NFL, and at my age, this is my one and only chance at having a crack at playing there,” Hayne said.
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