Editorial: Jets Kicker Ben Graham - Publication: Playboy Magazine February 2007 Back to Editorials Australian football player Ben Graham is unique for two key reasons, one being that he became the oldest rookie ever to be part of an NFL opening day roster at age 31 and the other being that he is one of only three players to jump codes from the obscure Australian Rules Football to American NFL On May 22, 2006, the Jets signed Graham to a six-year contract worth US$5.17 million. Just four months later on September 6, and Graham (born November 2, 1973). was named as one of the Jets six captains for the upcoming season.
Also among his litany of achievements, Graham became the first rookie punter to punt for an entire season for the Jets since Greg Gantt punted in all 14 games in 1974. In his rookie season, Graham punted in all 16 games and recorded 74 punts for a net average of 37.9, the highest average by a Jets' punter since 1999. He also placed 18 punts inside the 20 yard line.
Graham says he had always been interested in the NFL, though started considering the option as his AFL (Australian Football League) career began to dwindle due to age.
So how does he feel padding up compared to the wife beater styled jersey he wore in he Australian code? “ I am not involved physically with other players on the field, I just come on to kick so the body pads I wear are a lot less extreme than the other players. Im used to them now, its just part of the game”
Are “Aussie Blokes,” harder than their
Written by Craig Stephens |