RWU HQ – It looks like a fellow duel-sport athlete could be joining Jarryd Hayne in the National Football League sooner rather than later.
South Sydney Rabbitohs prop Tom Burgess had two tryouts this week. He tried out as a tight end for both the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills.
“I have shown interest in NFL for a while and I’d spoken to a few of my friends about how I’d love to go there (but) somehow it’s been turned into I’ve got a contract out there,” Burgess said earlier this year, via theguardian.com. “That’s not the case, there’s nothing there yet and I’ve not spoken to anyone. It is something I definitely wouldn’t turn my nose up at, I’d look into it but there’s nothing there currently.”
Burgess’ rugby team did confirm that he’s currently in the states pursuing a possible NFL career.
“The South Sydney Rabbitohs can confirm that Thomas Burgess has been given the opportunity to develop his skills by participating in NFL training during his off-season break,” a statement on the team’s website read. “The Rabbitohs value Thomas’s desire to be the best professional athlete he can be and support his endeavor.
“Rabbitohs’ head coach, Michael Maguire, and Thomas had discussed ways to better Burgess’ speed, strength and agility, and are confident that the experience will be beneficial.”
It’s not much of a surprise that either squad decided to bring the rugger in.
The Giants have had injury problems at the position this year, with starter Larry Donnell battling a neck injury and backup Daniel Fells on injured reserve with a terrible ankle infection.
Buffalo on the other hand has head coach Rex Ryan. While with the Jets, Ryan brought in dual-sport athlete Hayden Smith as a tight end for the 2012 season and was released just before the start of the 2013 campaign.
While the Bills do have good depth at the position, the could use another receiving tight end to pair with starter Charles Clay. You can never have too many pass catching tight ends.
However Burgess is under contract with the Rabbitohs through the 2018 season.
Check back for an update in Burgess’ NFL pursuit.
