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British Discus Thrower Gets NFL Contract

Discussion in 'Colosseum' started by Barmy Army, Apr 28, 2013.

  1. Barmy Army

    Barmy Army Simple mind, simple pleasures... Adored Veteran

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    Remove all ads!
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/american-football/22328306

    He's never played American Football before, but he gets a contract to play at the highest level. I was just wondering what this says about American Football as a sport? I can't think of many other sports this would be possible in. Other sports, you'd need to pick the sport up from an early age and really work on it to get anywhere near a pro level, nevermind the highest pro level.
     
    Barmy Army, Apr 28, 2013
    #1

  2. The Great Snook Gems: 31/31
    Latest gem: Rogue Stone

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    Maybe, maybe not. In the NFL contracts are not guaranteed so he has to make the team to get paid. It looks like the 49rs are just taking a wild shot to see if the guy has any possibility.
     
    The Great Snook, Apr 28, 2013
    #2
  3. T2Bruno

    T2Bruno The only source of knowledge is experience Distinguished Member ★ SPS Account Holder Adored Veteran New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!)

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    Not many sports have the equivalent of offensive and defensive linemen -- strength and size mean a lot on the line. Athletic, 6'6", nearly 300 pounds -- he would get attention. He was undrafted which means he didn't do too well at the combine, SF is looking for a long shot here and hoping they hit a jackpot with his athleticism.
     
    T2Bruno, Apr 28, 2013
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  4. Déise

    Déise Both happy and miserable, without the happy part!

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    It says he turned down a few offers to go pro in rugby as well. Presumably he would have played that being English. They're similar enough skillsets, especially the ball handling. I'd say the main problem for him will be learning the plays in American football and where to stand or move.

    It's not unique. Aussie rules send scouts over to recruit Gaelic footballers the whole time. None of them would have played aussie rules before and the games are about as similar as rubgy and american football. It obviously helps that aussie rules is pro and gaelic is amateur.
     
    Déise, Apr 28, 2013
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  5. Barmy Army

    Barmy Army Simple mind, simple pleasures... Adored Veteran

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    Aussies riules and Gaelic are fringe sports when being though, to be fair. Probably easier to come in at entry level and get away with it.
     
    Barmy Army, Apr 28, 2013
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  6. Déise

    Déise Both happy and miserable, without the happy part!

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    The competition certainly isn't as tough in terms of numbers playing. But it does show that an adult can go into a sport he's literally never played before and hold his own against pros playing for all their lives. Rugby and American football aren't that different in terms of skillsets. I don't follow American football but it looks like playing in defence is mainly about physique anyway. I'm sure he wouldn't get away with trying to play quarterback.
     
    Déise, Apr 29, 2013
    #6
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