Lou Hedley defies the typical mould of an NFL rookie. He stands out as a distinct figure on the American football field. This new Aussie punter, who is plying his trade for the New Orleans Saints sports an eye-catching mullet, a bold moustache, and a canvas of tattoos that extends from his neck to the ends of his limbs. Not your typical American footballer.
In fact, he is already being hailed as one of the most interesting men in American football.
Hedley's journey to the NFL took an unconventional route. He began his career working in construction as a scaffolder.
“I pretty much lived in a harness way off the ground for seven years of my life,” Hedley told the Bleacher Report. “It was all good fun, and it allowed me to stay fit while I worked. Plus, it was great money and I didn’t have time to spend any of it.
He also later co-owned a tattoo shop in Bali, before selling his stake to chase his NFL dream.
So, how did Lou Hedley make the transition to American football and secure his punting role in New Orleans?
Hedley joins the very exclusive group of players who have journeyed from Down Under to pursue American football careers. He was raised in the coastal town of Leeman, Western Australia. He played Aussie Rules Footy. But the path to the United States began when he connected with Prokick Australia, an organization dedicated to assisting Australian kickers in gaining college football opportunities in the U.S.
From there, Hedley's dedication to his football dream led him to leave his construction job in Australia, where he joined City College of San Francisco to improve his academic standing. From here he transferred to the University of Miami, where he spent four years as a Hurricane.
Hedley chose the number 94, famously worn by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and cheekily put the word out to the Rock on X, looking for a workout with the superstar. The Rock was quick to respond:
He was a semi-finalist for the Ray Guy Award in his final three years at Miami, the award that recognises the best punter in college football. Despite being eligible for the 2023 NFL Draft due to his college tenure, Hedley wasn't selected during the draft process. However, his determination and talent shone through as he signed with the Saints as an undrafted free agent, eventually earning a spot on their 53-man roster in late August. In his NFL debut, a thrilling 16-15 victory for the Saints against the Titans in Week 1, Hedley showcased his penchant for big moments. He successfully executed five punts, boasting an impressive average of 48.2 yards per punt and pinning one inside the 20-yard line. With work still to do to secure a long-term playing career launching deep punts into enemy territories., he’s definitely off to a good start.
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