Australian Full-Forward Darren Bennett Makes History in NFL

Strategic Insights -

Australian full-forward Darren Bennett, 30, has become the third Australian to be named in the starting line-up of a National Football League (NFL) gridiron team, joining the San Diego Chargers as their punter for the 1995 season. Bennett, known for his impressive kicking skills, played for the Melbourne Demons in the Australian Football League (AFL) before being invited to a training camp with the Chargers after impressing them with his long-kicking skills in a competition. Bennett's new job carries a salary of at least $135,000 for the four-month season.

Key Takeaways:

  • Darren Bennett becomes the third Australian to be named in the starting line-up of an NFL gridiron team, following Colin Ridgeway (Dallas Cowboys, 1960s) and Colin Scott (St Louis Cardinals, mid-1980s).
  • Bennett played four games for the Eagles in 1987 and 1988 and 74 games for the Melbourne Demons (1989-1993), scoring 215 goals.
  • The San Diego Chargers' head coach, Bobby Ross, believes Bennett has the potential to become one of the best kicks in the NFL.
  • Bennett has been nicknamed "The Mate" and has also been dubbed "Boomer Bennett" by the San Diego Union newspaper after he punted the ball 69 yards in a pre-season game.
  • In the NFL, a 45-yard kick is considered a good punt, and Bennett likened punting to kicking a winning goal every time he goes out.
  • Bennett has put on seven kilograms since starting gridiron weight training and stands 195 centimetres and 110 kilograms.
  • The San Diego Chargers are impressed with Bennett's skills, and he has been impressive in pre-season games and practice sessions, leading coaches and football commentators to speak highly of his prospects.

Statistics:

  • Bennett played 74 games for the Melbourne Demons (1989-1993), scoring 215 goals.
  • Bennett's new job as a punter for the San Diego Chargers carries a salary of at least $135,000 for the four-month season.
  • A 45-yard kick is considered a good punt in the NFL.
  • Bennett punted the ball 69 yards in a pre-season game.

Sources:

  • The San Diego Union newspaper
  • The Australian sports community
  • Darren Bennett
  • San Diego Chargers