Comments on: Ben Graham on what it takes to make it in the NFL

By: Interesting

Interesting — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 02:18:36 +0000

Ben’s having an incredible sporting journey. A great achievement.

Personally, however, I understand American football and the punter role is really not that major or something you look out for. Generally the punter is only remembered if he is rubbish.

The role is sort of like the 12th man in cricket, you do not really pay much attention to that.

By: Pippinu

Pippinu — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 01:23:06 +0000

Steve
a good follow up article to the last one, it’s really fascinating reading about Graham’s trials and tribulations, and it’s important that people understand it’s not just a case of turning up – the work involved in just getting to first base (long, long before you are even considered for a contract), is massive in its own right.

By: Steve Kaless

Steve Kaless — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:33:33 +0000

As an interesting post-script to this article, I notice the Sun Herald is running an exclusive about the Sam Thaiday switching codes to the NFL.

Knowing a bit more now about how the NFL works I’ve got to say I’d find this highly surprising. While Thaiday, might love the idea of being an NFL superstar appealling and he can’t be blamed for that, I think in reality what might be offered is slightly different to what he is imagining.

It isn’t like the Dallas Cowboys are ging to stump up a 5 year deal because he has played State of Origin.

Surely if an offer from the Reds is unlikely his management team aren’t floating about the idea of a NFL move to bump up the price?

I don’t think we’ll ever see Australians playing NFL in non kicking roles until they go through the college system.

By: The man

The man — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 03:15:35 +0000

Brother,

Last thing we need is more player drain to the old USA, what I would love to see a few running backs head “down under” and try their hand at league, sure they would be entertaining (just imagine the return of decent post try celebrations that have sadly been absence since my retirement) and you can’t tell me they wouldnt fit in with the bling atmosphere of say, Parramatta Stadium.

I think seeing a few more Hummers in the Brookie car park would help to inspire the youth to lace a boot and chase that premiership dream. Just what this country needs in time of the G F C.

Come on Gallop, get out the cheque book now!

Can I also suggest Stevo that you submit a customer feedback form on your return journey to blightly requesting that BA add “100 Greatest Tries of the Century” to the inflight entertainment, or even better “99 Hots Up”, that way the next 24 hour flight to pommyland will feel like it is over in 2 shakes of a lambs tail.

By: Forgetmenot

Forgetmenot — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 01:24:57 +0000

I totally agree that perhaps AFL clubs can learn new kicking techniques from their NFL counterparts. More accurate goal kicking could make the game a bit more exciting to watch.

In the past year i have been watching a lot more American football than i usually do, and i have to say that i am gradually becoming hooked. But i doubt it would ever take over from football as my preferred sport.

I think we may see a few football players head over to America to try out the punting, but the success rate will get less and less, and then less people will try.
Ive tried punting an american football, and it is bloody hard to do it right all the time.

By: The Cougar

The Cougar — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 00:04:06 +0000

I’d imagine the life of an NFL punter would be pretty boring. I can’t think of another sports role that has the same level of repetition, aside from quasi-sports like shooting and archery.