LRZ

[Gumboot]

Special teams kick returner is his best bet

Agreed.

There was an ex AFL player who migrated over back in the 90s, not a star player but he had a massive boot. He made millions playing as the team's specialist punt kicker. Come out on field, boot the leather off the thing and leave the field of play while the musk oxen clashed heads over it.

I'm pretty sure a punter has to stay on the field until the play's complete. I've seen a few punters having to act as the last line of defence against kick returners who have just cut their team to shreds...with predictably dire results.

I don't think LRZ has a snowball's chance of making it in the NFL, regardless of which position he plays.

[laurent]

Special teams kick returner is his best bet

Agreed.

There was an ex AFL player who migrated over back in the 90s, not a star player but he had a massive boot. He made millions playing as the team's specialist punt kicker. Come out on field, boot the leather off the thing and leave the field of play while the musk oxen clashed heads over it.

Quite a lot of aussies in that position I think

[Biffer]

Agreed.

There was an ex AFL player who migrated over back in the 90s, not a star player but he had a massive boot. He made millions playing as the team's specialist punt kicker. Come out on field, boot the leather off the thing and leave the field of play while the musk oxen clashed heads over it.

Quite a lot of aussies in that position I think

Yeah, and they’re usually the better tacklers amongst punters as they’ve come out of Aussie rules. Also a Scottish punter, Jamie Gillan, with a rugby background as a kid who loves a tackle.

[Biffer]

The reality is any of the positions are going to be bloody hard. There are very few specialist kick returner who only returns kicks without having to pick up some snaps at a position on offence or defence. Even Jarryd Hayne played snaps as a RB.

It will be tough, nearly impossible even. But good for him to have a go.

Mialata went over at a similar age and was drafted in th 7th round with doubts over him. That contract alone was worth 2.5million over 4 years. He now plays one of the key positions on a team so it can be done.

Yeah, no one is on the squad just to return kickoffs or punts.

Cough Devin Hester Cough

Because heaven knows he always dropped the ball when it was thrown to him....

You kind of make my point there - he also played WR and other utility back stuff to use his speed. He didn’t just return kicks.

[Hal Jordan]

Yes, but he was a terrible wide receiver.

[I like neeps]

You get specialist returners absolutely. But I don't think even returning is that easy - usually they aren't actually the fastest guy. It's all about block recognition, lateral quickness, elusiveness. Actual straight line speed isn't that important for it.

[Biffer]

Yes, but he was a terrible wide receiver.

He was used as WR 3 or 4 at Chicago, about 200 receptions in five or six years. To me, he's the perfect example of having to do more than just return kicks. He didn't, so he was pushed to do more and in the end teams wouldn't commit to him for long as just returning wasn't enough.

[Slick]

I think I might have to get back into NFL, used to love it

[Margin__Walker]

Harry Mallinder tagging along to considerably less fanfare

[inactionman]

Harry Mallinder tagging along to considerably less fanfare

This gets even more bizarre.

Has he got a particularly big boot?

[Margin__Walker]

Yeah, I think he did, if not hugely refined.

He'll be up against GAA/AFL lads though. And ultimately kids who've been punting in pads and helmet since school.

[Oxbow]

Harry Mallinder is, sadly, made of biscuits. As long as he doesn't have to tackle anybody, or get tackled, or undertake any physical activity of any kind, he'll be fine.

[Margin__Walker]

Harry Mallinder is, sadly, made of biscuits. As long as he doesn't have to tackle anybody, or get tackled, or undertake any physical activity of any kind, he'll be fine.

He's probably got as much of a shot as LRZ of actually making a roster tbf

[Margin__Walker]

George Smith listed there plays lock for Coventry. Or did anyway.

[Big D]

Yes, but he was a terrible wide receiver.

He was used as WR 3 or 4 at Chicago, about 200 receptions in five or six years. To me, he's the perfect example of having to do more than just return kicks. He didn't, so he was pushed to do more and in the end teams wouldn't commit to him for long as just returning wasn't enough.

Yeah. Hester averaged 3 targets a game over his whole career. It was only later in his career his wasn't getting receptions but he was well established as one of the greatest returners.

These days any kick returner is having to take snaps at RB/WR or DB on rare occasions even if their primary function is ST and returning kicks.

[SaintK]

Harry Mallinder is, sadly, made of biscuits. As long as he doesn't have to tackle anybody, or get tackled, or undertake any physical activity of any kind, he'll be fine.

Quite

[Big D]

D Leader used to play for Connacht IIRC. So four ex (fot tike being) pro rugby players. I think we'll see more try.

[Gumboot]

I'm pretty sure a punter has to stay on the field until the play's complete. I've seen a few punters having to act as the last line of defence against kick returners who have just cut their team to shreds...with predictably dire results.

Just watched exactly that scenario in the Ravens - Texans divisional game. The Ravens' punter was the last defender as the Texans scored a punt return TD, and the poor fella got steamrolled.

[weegie01]

Has it been mentioned that Zammit's dad played NFL in the UK? He is a proper NFL fan who grew up steeped in it but played rugby, rather than a rugby player with an interest in NFL. I took his comments about NFL being his dream with a pinch of salt, but it appears to be actually true.

[Biffer]

Has it been mentioned that Zammit's dad played NFL in the UK? He is a proper NFL fan who grew up steeped in it but played rugby, rather than a rugby player with an interest in NFL. I took his comments about NFL being his dream with a pinch of salt, but it appears to be actually true.

I’ve played American football in the UK, The top high school teams would beat most uk teams.

[Gumboot]

Has it been mentioned that Zammit's dad played NFL in the UK? He is a proper NFL fan who grew up steeped in it but played rugby, rather than a rugby player with an interest in NFL. I took his comments about NFL being his dream with a pinch of salt, but it appears to be actually true.

I’ve played American football in the UK, The top high school teams would beat most uk teams.

I played a Sunday park game with a few pub workmates against the local Septic social team, who were mostly members of the Regents Park Marines iirc. I was the only player on our team who knew how to tackle, but none of us knew how to pass or catch properly so we got absolutely slaughtered.

Fun day, mind.

[dpedin]

Has it been mentioned that Zammit's dad played NFL in the UK? He is a proper NFL fan who grew up steeped in it but played rugby, rather than a rugby player with an interest in NFL. I took his comments about NFL being his dream with a pinch of salt, but it appears to be actually true.

I’ve played American football in the UK, The top high school teams would beat most uk teams.

I played a Sunday park game with a few pub workmates against the local Septic social team, who were mostly members of the Regents Park Marines iirc. I was the only player on our team who knew how to tackle, but none of us knew how to pass or catch properly so we got absolutely slaughtered.

Fun day, mind.

Played rugby but never American football.

Went to a NFL game in the states - San Diego Chargers v LA Rams I think - way back in 1980's. I was bored to tears for 3 hours, only highlights were the parking lot BBQ before the game and when the cheerleaders were dropped off the pick up truck right in front of us to do their thing. It was just a waste of time watching live.

Having said that, when golfing in Orlando a taxi driver asked what we had planned that night and when we said just a few beers he suggested the usual lap dancing bars etc. We said we weren't into that sort of thing so he suggested we went to watch the indoor American Football match. We weren't keen but he said it would be worth our while so we went, stocked up with biggest popcorn and beers we could find and watched. Turns out it was held on the usual 'girls night off' when all the lap dancers, hookers, etc came to the game. The guy working the tv camera would scan the crowd for nice looking girls who would stand up and take their tops off with the crowd cheering and whooping. The cameraman panned away at the last possible minute with much booing. All this was shown real time on the big screen 'jumbotron' much to the crowds delight. I remember nothing of the game, the teams nor the score! It was hilarious and the taxi driver came to pick us up and got a tip.

[Tichtheid]

I’ve played American football in the UK, The top high school teams would beat most uk teams.

I played a Sunday park game with a few pub workmates against the local Septic social team, who were mostly members of the Regents Park Marines iirc. I was the only player on our team who knew how to tackle, but none of us knew how to pass or catch properly so we got absolutely slaughtered.

Fun day, mind.

Played rugby but never American football.

Went to a NFL game in the states - San Diego Chargers v LA Rams I think - way back in 1980's. I was bored to tears for 3 hours, only highlights were the parking lot BBQ before the game and when the cheerleaders were dropped off the pick up truck right in front of us to do their thing. It was just a waste of time watching live.

Having said that, when golfing in Orlando a taxi driver asked what we had planned that night and when we said just a few beers he suggested the usual lap dancing bars etc. We said we weren't into that sort of thing so he suggested we went to watch the indoor American Football match. We weren't keen but he said it would be worth our while so we went, stocked up with biggest popcorn and beers we could find and watched. Turns out it was held on the usual 'girls night off' when all the lap dancers, hookers, etc came to the game. The guy working the tv camera would scan the crowd for nice looking girls who would stand up and take their tops off with the crowd cheering and whooping. The cameraman panned away at the last possible minute with much booing. All this was shown real time on the big screen 'jumbotron' much to the crowds delight. I remember nothing of the game, the teams nor the score! It was hilarious and the taxi driver came to pick us up and got a tip.

This is off-topic, but wtf.

That post reminded of the tv programme shown in France on Friday nights - they'd get a young woman who was just walking along the street and bring her in to the studio where she'd dance and lip-sync to some terrible song whilst taking all her clothes off, for which she'd win a fitted kitchen.

All a bit bizarre really.

[Biffer]

LRZ did not make the Chiefs squad. They re-signed JuJu Smith-Schuster and gave him Zammit's number earlier in the week.

Will be on the practice squad, and will technically be on waivers so another team can claim him if they want (won't happen).

The other UK players, aren't on squads either. Travis Clayton (Buffalo) was placed on injured reserve last week and doesn't have a designated return date so will not play this season. Praise Olatuke was cut by the Chargers on 12th August.

[Jim Lahey]

LRZ did not make the Chiefs squad. They re-signed JuJu Smith-Schuster and gave him Zammit's number earlier in the week.

Will be on the practice squad, and will technically be on waivers so another team can claim him if they want (won't happen).

The other UK players, aren't on squads either. Travis Clayton (Buffalo) was placed on injured reserve last week and doesn't have a designated return date so will not play this season. Praise Olatuke was cut by the Chargers on 12th August.

Was always going to be a big ask moving into an ultra specialised sport.

If I were him I'd ride out the rest of the season and see what happens, and if no one picks him up by December, get his agent tto tap up some French sugar daddy clubs for a big pay day.

[Biffer]

LRZ did not make the Chiefs squad. They re-signed JuJu Smith-Schuster and gave him Zammit's number earlier in the week.

Will be on the practice squad, and will technically be on waivers so another team can claim him if they want (won't happen).

The other UK players, aren't on squads either. Travis Clayton (Buffalo) was placed on injured reserve last week and doesn't have a designated return date so will not play this season. Praise Olatuke was cut by the Chargers on 12th August.

Was always going to be a big ask moving into an ultra specialised sport.

If I were him I'd ride out the rest of the season and see what happens, and if no one picks him up by December, get his agent tto tap up some French sugar daddy clubs for a big pay day.

He'll get $12,500 a week while he's on the practice squad, plus anything else KC wants to pay him if they see him as having a development pathway over the next year. That per week only happens over the 18 week season so far as I understand, then he may be invited to a few minicamps in spring, and potentially could play spring ball in the USFL which is $50k plus $400/week housing. Then preseason all over again come mid summer. So even not making the cut, he could nab himself $300k in a year, with another shot at making the grade next year.

So I don't see him coming back to rugby just yet.

[Margin__Walker]

Assuming he went in with his eyes open, I agree.

I think he'll give it another year.

[Blackmac]

Assuming he went in with his eyes open, I agree.

I think he'll give it another year.

Definitely. There is no way anyone gave him an expectation of making a squad in the first year. The Chiefs management and star players speak highly of his potential so I think he will stay.

[Biffer]

Jamie Gillan, Graham Canó, Jermaine Elemenour, Efe Obama and David Ojabo are Brits who have made rosters on various teams this year.

[fishfoodie]

Jamie Gillan, Graham Canó, Jermaine Elemenour, Efe Obama and David Ojabo are Brits who have made rosters on various teams this year.

Irish NFL players Charlie Smyth and Jude McAtamney have got a second chance in the league after they were signed back with their teams on their practice rosters after being released by New Orleans Saints and New York Giants respectively.

Down native Smyth and Derry native McAtamney did not make the cut for the final list of 53 for the new season and were released to the waiver wire. After the waiver period they were not picked up by another team, and their teams signed them up again for their practice squads. With both players eligible for an international player exemption, their inclusion in the reserves did not count towards the practice-squad limit. There, they could still get promoted to the main team this season, should their team’s first-choice kicker get injured.

Smyth had scored a last-second winning field goal in the Saints’ first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals.

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/2024/0 ... e-rosters/

Smyth also knocked over a kick from 65 yards during training, so he has one hell of a boot on him.

[Big D]

The international guys were always up against it and always likely to end up on the practice squad. Clayton on season ending IR is away for the Bills to "keep him in the building".

Would be very short sighted of LRZ to come back over right now rather than taking a season at least to soak up the knowledge and experience.

[Big D]

LRZ did not make the Chiefs squad. They re-signed JuJu Smith-Schuster and gave him Zammit's number earlier in the week.

Will be on the practice squad, and will technically be on waivers so another team can claim him if they want (won't happen).

The other UK players, aren't on squads either. Travis Clayton (Buffalo) was placed on injured reserve last week and doesn't have a designated return date so will not play this season. Praise Olatuke was cut by the Chargers on 12th August.

Was always going to be a big ask moving into an ultra specialised sport.

If I were him I'd ride out the rest of the season and see what happens, and if no one picks him up by December, get his agent tto tap up some French sugar daddy clubs for a big pay day.

He'll get $12,500 a week while he's on the practice squad, plus anything else KC wants to pay him if they see him as having a development pathway over the next year. That per week only happens over the 18 week season so far as I understand, then he may be invited to a few minicamps in spring, and potentially could play spring ball in the USFL which is $50k plus $400/week housing. Then preseason all over again come mid summer. So even not making the cut, he could nab himself $300k in a year, with another shot at making the grade next year.

So I don't see him coming back to rugby just yet.

Plus there will be some sponsorship/marketing money going his way too.

[inactionman]

There's talk of Jacksonville going in for him.

I note they're playing in London again later this year - not that there's any shortage of publicity, but local (ish) boy on the broader team adds another degree of interest.

[Margin__Walker]

It really is a mad sport to try and transition in .

Any other and you'd be able to spend a year at a lower level getting used to the game and building muscle memory in game situations / getting reps in. Here though, there's no real option for that. It's just the training field and a couple of pre season games where you have to produce something spectacular from very touches of the football.

[Dinsdale Piranha]

It really is a mad sport to try and transition in .

Any other and you'd be able to spend a year at a lower level getting used to the game and building muscle memory in game situations / getting reps in. Here though, there's no real option for that. It's just the training field and a couple of pre season games where you have to produce something spectacular from very touches of the football.

It's insanely competitive, very specialised and, IPP excepted, almost no way in to the game outside of the established collegiate system. There's no club game so unless you turn pro you probably aren't playing a game after you leave high school / college so people can't learn at 'a lower level'

I checked on the list of Brits above and most played in US high school / college. There were a couple of military brats there which explains how they were in the US/UK at various times.

I've been to a couple of NFL games and enjoyed them. Like Rugby, once you know a few of the rules it starts to make more sense.

[Slick]

It really is a mad sport to try and transition in .

Any other and you'd be able to spend a year at a lower level getting used to the game and building muscle memory in game situations / getting reps in. Here though, there's no real option for that. It's just the training field and a couple of pre season games where you have to produce something spectacular from very touches of the football.

It's insanely competitive, very specialised and, IPP excepted, almost no way in to the game outside of the established collegiate system. There's no club game so unless you turn pro you probably aren't playing a game after you leave high school / college so people can't learn at 'a lower level'

I checked on the list of Brits above and most played in US high school / college. There were a couple of military brats there which explains how they were in the US/UK at various times.

I've been to a couple of NFL games and enjoyed them. Like Rugby, once you know a few of the rules it starts to make more sense.

I was wondering if there was a club game, but no?

[Biffer]

It really is a mad sport to try and transition in .

Any other and you'd be able to spend a year at a lower level getting used to the game and building muscle memory in game situations / getting reps in. Here though, there's no real option for that. It's just the training field and a couple of pre season games where you have to produce something spectacular from very touches of the football.

The lower level is college football, which nearly everyone in the NFL has been through for at least 3 years. But it's run under NCAA rules, which doesn't allow professional athletes - so LRZ and other rugby players are immediately ineligible to play.

[Biffer]

It really is a mad sport to try and transition in .

Any other and you'd be able to spend a year at a lower level getting used to the game and building muscle memory in game situations / getting reps in. Here though, there's no real option for that. It's just the training field and a couple of pre season games where you have to produce something spectacular from very touches of the football.

It's insanely competitive, very specialised and, IPP excepted, almost no way in to the game outside of the established collegiate system. There's no club game so unless you turn pro you probably aren't playing a game after you leave high school / college so people can't learn at 'a lower level'

I checked on the list of Brits above and most played in US high school / college. There were a couple of military brats there which explains how they were in the US/UK at various times.

I've been to a couple of NFL games and enjoyed them. Like Rugby, once you know a few of the rules it starts to make more sense.

I was wondering if there was a club game, but no?

No. College is the next level.

The new starter leagues in the spring do offer an opportunity though. The UFL, which is the result of a merger of two organisations doing the same thing, now has 8 teams and plays spring football, from March to June. It's much lower budget, and still making a loss but they are confident their model will work and they'll continue to operate as a kind of minor league for the NFL (although completely independent). I could definitely see LRZ being loaned out to one of the teams for the season.

[Slick]

It's insanely competitive, very specialised and, IPP excepted, almost no way in to the game outside of the established collegiate system. There's no club game so unless you turn pro you probably aren't playing a game after you leave high school / college so people can't learn at 'a lower level'

I checked on the list of Brits above and most played in US high school / college. There were a couple of military brats there which explains how they were in the US/UK at various times.

I've been to a couple of NFL games and enjoyed them. Like Rugby, once you know a few of the rules it starts to make more sense.

I was wondering if there was a club game, but no?

No. College is the next level.

The new starter leagues in the spring do offer an opportunity though. The UFL, which is the result of a merger of two organisations doing the same thing, now has 8 teams and plays spring football, from March to June. It's much lower budget, and still making a loss but they are confident their model will work and they'll continue to operate as a kind of minor league for the NFL (although completely independent). I could definitely see LRZ being loaned out to one of the teams for the season.

Bit is there an amateur club scene, like we have for rugby

[Biffer]

I was wondering if there was a club game, but no?

No. College is the next level.

The new starter leagues in the spring do offer an opportunity though. The UFL, which is the result of a merger of two organisations doing the same thing, now has 8 teams and plays spring football, from March to June. It's much lower budget, and still making a loss but they are confident their model will work and they'll continue to operate as a kind of minor league for the NFL (although completely independent). I could definitely see LRZ being loaned out to one of the teams for the season.

Bit is there an amateur club scene, like we have for rugby

Not really. There is some, but it's in no way a preparation for the NFL.