Jarryd Hayne will realise his long-standing dream of playing in the NFL after the former rugby league international was successful in his bid to make the San Francisco 49ers roster for the 2015 season.
Coach Jim Tomsula made the final cuts to the team’s practice squad on Saturday (Sunday AEST) and, as widely anticipated, Hayne was able to secure one of the 53 coveted spots.
“I am over the moon,” Hayne was quoted as saying on the 49ers’ official website. “I didn’t just wake up and want to be an NFL player one day. It was a long process with a lot of dark days and a lot of joyous days. Whenever I start talking about what I’ve been through, the emotions get stirred up.
“The people who are really close to me jumped on board. We just had fun. That’s what the whole journey has been about. I wanted to take a risk, and I wanted to put myself out there. Faith without action is dead. This whole journey, I’ve never felt so alive.”
IT ALWAYS WORKS OUT! I thank GOD for WHAT HE has done and going to do on this incredible journey!! I'm on the 53 MAN ROSTER FOR THE #49ers.
— jarryd hayne (@jarrydhayne_1) September 5, 2015
The former Eels player’s journey from Parramatta to California has captured the Australian public’s imagination – and attracted no little attention in the US, where experts have been impressed with the immediate impact made by the 27-year-old from Minto, who had never played the game at the elite level until three weeks ago.
“Making an NFL roster is an outstanding accomplishment, period,” Tomsula said. “But obviously his situation is unique. I can’t say enough about his approach and the type of person he is.
“You’re talking about a guy coming into a game he’s never played. The odds of an American who grows up in this game playing in the NFL is astronomical. Now you’re talking about a guy who wasn’t raised in this game and has made it. It’s a tremendous achievement, and I think that’s why everybody is so enamoured with it.”
Welcome aboard mate! #HaynePlane #49ers pic.twitter.com/seyJ89ocnO
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 5, 2015
Hayne exploded into America’s consciousness in his first pre-season game last month, running for 53 yards with just his second touch of the football against the Houston Texans. He went on to lead the 49ers in rushing yards and kick-off return yardage.
He delivered another eye-catching performance against Dallas Cowboys, prompting praise from Australia’s prime minister, before an outing against the Denver Broncos, albeit far more low key, did nothing to dull the hype.
On Thursday (Friday AEST), Hayne rounded off his preseason with another headline act, leaving San Diego Chargers cornerback Lowell Rose on his back with a ferocious shoulder charge that left Hayne’s team-mates on the sidelines in raptures.
Oh. That's just former Rugby League star @jarrydhayne_1, turning NFL defenders into pancakes. #SDvsSF http://t.co/sObSmoGhX9
— NFL (@NFL) September 4, 2015
Hayne finished that game as the 49ers leading rusher, also chipping in with two catches and three punt returns to effectively rubber-stamp his contract.
His overall preseason stats were no less impressive: from four games he boasted the highest average rushing yardage per carry in the entire NFL and was second on the average punt return charts.
So far there has been no indication as to how the Tomsula will employ Hayne during the regular season.
“He’s by no means a finished product,” the coach said. “But the type of person he is and the approach that he takes, he’s a guy that we want here. It should be a celebration in Australia. I do understand the magnitude and that it’s huge.”
Although Australians have played in the NFL before Hayne becomes the first to make the transition from rugby league.
“For the fans back home, I don’t think words can really describe how great it is to see so many people support me,” Hayne said. “Australia is such a sporting country, and I’m very proud about where I’m from.”
He could take his NFL bow proper in the 49ers’ season opener against the Minnesota Vikings on 14 September.
