Rugby To NFL: Hayden Smith Update

Congrats Hayden!
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LONDON, ENGLAND – Mark Sanchez held his Jets West Camp this weekend and one of his new teammates was making news by not attending the incumbent starting quarterback’s camp – rookie Geno Smith. However, another Jet couldn’t make the camp, but he had something much more important to do. New York Jets tight end Hayden Smith was busy celebrating wedding with fiancée Helen Burke in London this weekend. Smith and Burke got married in London on July 6 at 4 p.m. at The CotswoldsThe Church of the Annunciation in Woodchester.

Congrats Hayden!
Congrats Hayden!

Now, we’re sure you remember that Smith is a former professional rugby player now with the Jets. If you don’t, here’s his rugby resume as a reminder:
-Smith was a Rugby All-American while playing for the Denver Barbarians in 2008,
-In 2009 Smith played in both the Aviva Premiership and the Heineken Cup with the Saracens Storm,
-Smith helped the United States qualify in for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

After that, Smith left the pitch for the gridiron. The former USA Eagle signed with the Jets last April and made the team’s practice squad four months later. After spending time on the practice squad, Hayden was elevated to the team’s 53-man roster in October. Smith finished last season with one reception for 16 yards.

This season Smith will look for a bigger role in the struggling offense. Like last year, Smith will be stuck behind a veteran tight end on the Jets roster – rejuvenated free-agent Kellen Winslow Jr. Smith has the ability to learn from another savvy vet and improve his game. There’s nothing wrong with that.

Congratulations on your marriage, Hayden and good luck this year!

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About DJ Eberle 198 Articles
DJ Eberle is easily the largest of the RWU Team; Offensive Tackle Large. In fact, this Albany native played OT for Western New England University until he graduated in 2014. Like Junoir Blaber, he's moonlights on MeetTheMatts.com. His Dad played prop with Johnathan Wicklow Barberie and Matt McCarthy - who also in a MeetTheMatts.com moonlighter. DJ's cross to bear, however, is his love for the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres. There is hope, though, that his genetic inclination for Rugby, will cure him of that! Follow him on Twitter: @DJEberle66