All aboard the Hayne Train: Australian rugby league convert Jarryd Hayne makes the grade with NFL’s San Francisco 49ers
Jarryd Hayne made his way to the San Francisco waterfront with his visiting mother and sisters then waited for word. When 15 minutes went by after the deadline for NFL roster cuts on Saturday, he finally dialled his agent and found out the thrilling news: He made the 49ers’ 53-man roster.
“That’s the first time I’ve been nervous in a while,” he said. “Big relief.”
Hayne joined the Niners this spring with the daunting task of making the transition from rugby league star back home in Australia to NFL newcomer across the world.
I have a journey I’m on at the moment. I’m just blessed and honoured to be a part of the 49ers franchise
The 27-year-old rookie return man made good on his goal nearly a year after leaving his old sport to chase an American football dream, and his quest captivated a country more than 7,000 miles away.
“I have a journey I’m on at the moment. I’m just blessed and honoured to be a part of the 49ers franchise,” Hayne said. “They’ve given me the opportunity. They’re the one that put faith in me.”
Hayne was so giddy he announced on Twitter he made the cut before the 49ers formally said it.
“IT ALWAYS WORKS OUT! I thank GOD for WHAT HE has done and going to do on this incredible journey!! I’m on the 53 MAN ROSTER FOR THE (hash)49ers,” Hayne wrote on Twitter to his 153,000 followers.
Call him the Hayne Plane or the Hayne Train, both nicknames have stuck – and, now, so has Hayne.
