Enough ink has been spilt on Jesse ‘the Monstar’ Williams this week to cover the big man’s hulking frame with a fresh set of tattoos.
Among the NFL draft predictions, Prime Ministerial skype sessions, and odd embellishment by excitable American commentators when they weren’t checking out young talent in the stands, was an interesting comment Williams made in the aftermath of his victorious BCS championship game.
The bloke with the front-end-loader frame and Mr T hairdo spoke passionately about his wish to grow the sport of American football back in Australia, and how such a goal was something he would like to tackle head on.
Hearing the news, NFL fans down under smiled, while those involved in our grassroots gridiron competitions must have celebrated in a fashion that even Terrell Owens would have deemed excessive.
Because you see what might have sounded to some like a young kid trying to placate his 24 million new best friends, was actually kind of a big deal.
For starters, the Monstar doesn’t miss too many things he sets out to tackle.
And secondly, Williams is a poster boy the likes of which we’ve never seen. Or even really been able to imagine.
With no disrespect to the multi-code athletes that make it to the NFL after other sporting careers in Australia, having Williams come through (albeit rather quickly) the gridiron Queensland and Australia programs makes it all a bit more special. You really do have to feel happy for everyone involved.
By its nature American football is an expensive game to run, and when you’re working in a market with four established football codes and a traditionally sceptical public, it can make for pretty arid developmental grounds.
To have Williams front and centre for a week in every major Australian newspaper is publicity on a scale the local game could never hope to purchase, and gives every talented kid who’s sat down in front of ‘Madden’ something to reach for other than the X-Box controller.
On top of this the fact that Williams, on entering the NFL, is going to be on the gridiron itself for more than just fourth downs.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good punt (when that smug Tom Waterhouse bloke isn’t involved anyway), but having only seen Colin Scotts drunk on the Don Lane Super Bowl show, it would be nice to see a local mixing it in the trenches.
After all, it’s probably a bit much to hope fellow Aussie NFL draft candidate Brad Wing to decapitate an opposition’s punt returner Sav Rocca-style every weekend.
So can he do it? Can Big Willie part the red sea and lead the game into the promised land of mainstream Australia’s sporting subconscious?
Certainly Australian interest has been piqued in overseas leagues by countrymen such as Luc Longley, Harry Kewell and Dave Nilsson playing in the big time.
I think if drafted by an at least semi-competitive NFL side (word is the rising Indianapolis Colts are in the hunt) and successfully making the transition to the pros, Williams will have a few more of us getting up early on Monday mornings.
From here domestic participation and an increased presence of scouts on our shores should follow and by the end of Williams’ career things could look a whole lot differently down under, with Jesse clearing a path for the game to make a decent run.
Sure, carrying the future of a sport in a country is a pretty big burden for the young bloke to shoulder.
But hey, he’s a pretty big bloke.
Follow Chris on Twitter @Vic_Arious
Nicole
Guest
Craig- sounds like a good trip. Glad you're finally making it over here. I remember you wanted to years ago when we last spoke. Funny how an article like this can reunite us! Hope you're doing well. PS- still have the ILA shirt you gave me :-)
Craig Sellin
Guest
G'day Nicole. No I am not heading to Philly but I am heading to San Diego, Minnesota then San Francisco. Watching the Vikes v Bears and then heading to San Fran to watch 49ers v Seahawks. Got to represent for Jesse!!!
Nicole
Guest
@ craig sellin. My long lost football buddy. Coming to Philly to watch the Eagles this year?
Craig Sellin
Guest
Brisbane Rhinos baby!!
Craig Sellin
Guest
Hey Al have you ever ridden a motorbike? Hey Al did you ever fall off your motorbike. Despite having a helmet it still flamin hurts doesnt it Al? Hey Al. Gear up and play a game. Let me know how ticklish the helmet feels on your forearm or your ribcage. Collision sport sunshine. Not contact!
Craig Sellin
Guest
Falcore you knoooow!! Big Jesse with the Black and Yellow on would be epic. He would even make those tragic bumblebee throwbacks look appealing!
Craig Sellin
Guest
What full house knackers? I dont watch AFL. Very little of NRL. Sick of watching Wallabies lose. NFL? Every weekend baby! Go and play a game. Or better yet, get your children playing it. My eldest son makes his debut this season for the Brisbane Rhinos! He will never miss a season of it I guarantee.
Craig Sellin
Guest
oikee, The story of Jesse making it into the NFL the way he has makes it extraordinary. The chances of any Aussie making it to the NFL is bugger all, let alone NRL or AFL. I tell ya, if I got offered millions to play a sport that seriously kicked arse and offered women similar to Tom Brady's missus, my life would be complete.
Craig Sellin
Guest
B-Rock, there is a lot of support for NFL in Oz. I am certain you have a local comp in your area. Then again go to your local park or beach. I guarantee a pigskin is being thrown around. I have played Gridiron in Brisbane since '94. My eldest son will be making his debut season this year for the Brisbane Rhinos. The accountant who sits next to me at work knows more about NFL than most people. Our warehouse manager has been talking playoffs for the last month. Our product manager backs the Vikings, as do I. My brother watches NFL religiously. I will also be travelling to the US to watch it live this year. I agree duration of games can take some getting used too (which is why PVR's are great) but all codes of sport are like that and you can't deny it!. Soccer, Golf, Cricket, Union. NFL big plays far outweigh the excitement of any other Aussie footy code, apart from Origin. Jesse Williams is on the ride of his life and good on him. I'm an Aussie supporter of his soon to be epic career, not a hater.
Nick
Roar Guru
Perhaps the people whinging about game delays are the victims who have to drink Coors?
Adz
Guest
Bayside Ravens 4 Life!
Kasey
Guest
CC Funny you mention the Crimson Tidein that manner; a couple of years back I dated a nice girl from Oklahoma(Go Sooners!) and her code for ’don’t even think about annoying me today cos it’s my women’s time of the month' was: ” 'bama's playing at home.” Which I always thought was a bit clever;)
micka
Guest
Punters are only ever on the ground a few times and don't often make highlight reels. However a defensive linesman is on the field a hell of a lot more and is amongst the action a lot of the time. The exposure he has might make the difference....
Myles Stedman
Roar Guru
Nope. If all the Aussie punters (some that are ex-AFL players) that passed through couldn't, what makes you think some defensive lineman can?
Gary McDonald
Guest
I prefer the American game the NRL is a joke now. My team the tigers I mean how can anyone follow them they give away home advantage in semi finals sell quality players for duds and seem to never want to honor any contracts they sign. Breaks my heart but if I was benji Robbie or Chris I would be looking elsewhere. They sign Bryce for 3 years and then a couple of months later tell him to go?? Now chris heighington both gun forwards approaching their primes. stephen humphreys will kill this club
Reece Jordan
Roar Pro
As a community of educated sports fans, we can all acknowledge the appeal and value of good defensive lineman in the NFL. But the fact of the matter is, they're not the kinds of guys that can convert a nation to fans and pique the interest of the general Australian public. I think until we have an Australian quarterback, wide receiver, running back or even a tight end in the NFL and making waves, the chances of it succeeding majorly down under is slim to none; which is a huge shame.
WhatUsername
Roar Rookie
I would add Dallas to that list, because of their switch to a 4-3 D and the release (hopefully) of Jay Ratliff.
Kasey
Guest
Remember Don Lane was first and foremost a variety showman and Boy I Love Losing Superbowls was a joke mate. I understand where the name comes from. the Bills are of course the only team in the NFL to play in NY State. The Giants and Jets are derisively referred to as Jersey/A and Jersey/B by ESPN funny man Gregg Easterbrook, playing their games at the Meadowlands sports complex in NJ.
butross
Guest
I would consider NFL to be bigger in Australia now then it ever has been previously. This can almost exclusively be put down to how much easier it is to get access to watch the games these days. The fact that the competition starts around the same time that the NRL and AFL is ending is also something that works massively in its favour.
butross
Guest
@Kasey The name "Bills" is a play on words in regards to the famous historical figure "Buffalo BIll"