Meet the Latest Aussie Who’s Setting Records in the NFL – But Not Every American Football Fan Is Happy

Perth born Mitch Wishnowsky has become the latest Aussie to be recruited to the NFL, following in the footsteps of former rugby league star Jarryd Hayne.

The 27-year-old was picked up by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of this year’s draft after his dream of playing in the AFL was cut short.

Repeated shoulder injuries stopped Wishnowsky from pursuing his Aussie Rules career, but a chance encounter one afternoon put him on a new path.

Perth born Mitch Wishnowsky (pictured) has become the latest Aussie to be recruited to NFL

Wishnowsky was kicking a football in a park in Perth one day when he was spotted by leading Australian gridiron figure Craig Wilson, 9 News reported.

Seeing skill in the young man’s play, Mr Wilson set Wishnowsy up with the famed Prokick Australia Punting Academy which culminated in him playing for the University of Utah from 2016.

He would go on to play three years for the Utah Utes and secured All American honours in each season as well as winning the Ray Guy Award for best punter, leaving him a star prospect in the 2019 draft.

San Francisco coaches said they jumped at the rookie player early in the draft because they did not want to miss out on the opportunity to have them in their side, despite the fact punters are rarely selected that early.

After being drafted Wichnowsky took to social media to share his feelings.

‘Thank you to the 49ers coaching staff for the opportunity to live my dream and play NFL football,’ he wrote.

Wichnowsky was groomed by the famed Prokick Australia Punting Academy before being picked up by the University of Utah

‘Thanks to Utah football, Nathan Chapman, John Smith, my mum dad and sister Sam, and my beautiful girlfriend Maddie and everyone else who has helped me along my way. Thanks for the warm welcome Niner Nation.’

However, not all San Francisco fans were thrilled about their team’s newest recruit.

‘There is a 2% chance any of these picks are even on your team in 3 years let alone contribute,’ one fan wrote on Twitter.

‘PUNTER!!!!! MITCH WICHNOWSKY!!!!!’ another wrote.

‘Guess the niners pass rush will be so good we don’t need any secondary. A punter in the 4th? Mitch Wichnowsky better be able to punt it 100 yards,’ a third added.

However, other fans and NFL greats were thrilled with the pick.

Some fans were quick to praise the San Francisco 49ers foresight in drafting the young punter (pictured) in the fourth round while others were left angry at the decision

‘Mitch Wichnowsky is the former Aussie Rules rugby player. He’ll change the position of the field for the 49ers. Tremendous punting talent in mold of Michael Dickson. I love this pick in Round,’ former VP of player personnel at the Dallas Cowboys Gil Brantd wrote to Twitter.

‘The dude is not only an amazing punter but can handle kickoffs. It’s all about defense and field position in this league,’ a fan added.

By being selected in the fourth round Wishnowsky will be likely to earn up to $500,000 more than if the 49ers held off until the fifth round.

‘I feel keeping it away from the returner in that Aussie kind of kick is seen as a bit of a novelty,’ Wishnowsky told AAP.

‘At this time I feel NFL coaches want to see if you can do the Aussie style but you can also also do the spiral.’

By being selected in the fourth round Wishnowsky will be likely to earn up to $500,000 more than if the 49ers held off until the fifth round

Related Posts

“BREAKING: Steelers Legend Hines Ward Shares Devastating News During Trip—Fans Left in Tears and Prayers!”

Hines Ward Shares Heartbreaking News About Beloved Dog’s Passing During Month-Long Trip, Fans Moved to Tears In a heartfelt and emotional post, former Pittsburgh Steelers legend Hines Ward shared devastating…

Read more

Frustration Mounts: Cowboys Fans Slam Jerry Jones for Signing ‘Washed’ Free Agent to Fix Run Game

By ALEX RASKIN Published: 04:44 GMT, 14 March 2025 | Updated: 05:02 GMT, 14 March 2025 Dallas Cowboys fans hoping to reignite the team’s anemic running game weren’t happy to see the team’s latest addition in the backfield. Although he’s still just 27, …

Read more

VIDEO: Bachelorette Party Goes Wild—Dak Prescott Mercilessly Taunted Outside Bahamas Casino!

Dak Prescott (Photo via Instagram) Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott got more than he bargained for during a vacation to The Bahamas. The 2024 season was a tough one for Dak Prescott, who played below his usual standards in eight games before undergoing …

Read more

Dak Prescott’s $17,000 Gift to a Homeless Woman—Her Next Move Left Everyone Speechless!

Dak Prescott Gave $17,000 to a Homeless Woman—What She Did Next Shocked Everyone! In a heartwarming display of generosity, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott has made headlines for giving $17,000 to a homeless woman in need. But what happened next …

Read more

“Bermuda Triangle: The Final Resting Place of the World’s Greatest Mysteries?”

The Bermυda Triaпgle has loпg beeп shroυded iп mystery, captivatiпg the imagiпatioпs of explorers, scieпtists, aпd coпspiracy theorists alike. This eпigmatic regioп, stretchiпg betweeп Miami, Bermυda, aпd Pυerto Rico, is пow beiпg dυbbed the υltimate …

Read more

Aliens on Earth: Are They Watching, Studying, or Planning Something Bigger?

[embedded content] ALIENS ARE WORKING WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT? Aliens Are Working with the U.S. Government: A Deep Dive into the Conspiracy For decades, speculation about extraterrestrial life has captured the imagination of millions. From grainy UFO …

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *