From the soccer fields of Western Australia to the biggest stage in American sport, former WAFL reserve player Louis Hedley could be the most unlikely name to be read in this year’s NFL draft.
This Mandurah scaffolder and former WAFL player with the Peel Thunder could get paid more than Fremantle superstar Nat Fyfe if he is called up by an NFL franchise this weekend.
Hedley’s leg is like a cannon and his individual workouts with half a dozen teams have caught the attention of all 32 NFL franchises.
While most bettors get their shot in the later rounds of the draft, only one or two lucky ones are chosen each year.
The three-day NFL draft kicked off yesterday and Hedley hopes to hear his name called AEST on Sunday.
Western Australian former scaffolder Louis Hedley is highly recognizable with his signature mustache and tattoos
He played a handful of games in the reserves for the Peel Thunder in the WAFL before deciding to take a chance in the NFL through college footy with the University of Miami.
But not being called up wouldn’t be the end of the world. NFL teams only have one punter on their squad, so there are always free agent opportunities when injuries or poor form strike.
The 29-year-old punter-turned-tradition has taken the well-trodden path from Australian rules football to punting, following in the footsteps of fellow Aussies such as Darren Bennett and Ben Graham.
Hedley made his debut for the Miami Hurricanes against the Florida Gators in a pre-season game in 2019, and he’s already received a shout-out from global acting and wrestling megastar Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
“Thanks for rocking my #94 Lou Hedley,” Johnson tweeted.
“Look forward to that workout one day. In the meantime, welcome to the U, keep disturbing and always be the hardest worker in the (MF’n) room.”
The tweet Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson posted in honor of the Aussie wearing the same jersey as the Hollywood star at the same college
Hedley’s journey to the NFL has been a remarkable one. He did his time at junior college and then at the powerful University of Miami where he bagged awards for excellence that are available to players from all over the country.
His unusual tattoos, massive body and super boot have made him an internet sensation.
ProKick Australia coach and close friend Nathan Chapman recalls an eager Hedley ready to ‘make a change’, even if it meant turning his life upside down.
“When he came down, we were like, ‘OK, full of tattoos from head to toe,’ what do we have here?” he told The Western Australian.
“But what showed up was a really genuine guy who wanted to work hard and get back into teaching and go to college, but also try punting.
“He just likes being around the guys, he’s good to chat with and has a really good level of sobriety on his shoulders and a very clear focus on punting.
“He’s a real pleasure to deal with, he trained really hard, loved the gym and got his teeth into it.
“He had to go the junior college route first, which was a total change in what his lifestyle was, but he did his time there at San Fran City College…then we got Miami on the phone and they loved him.”
Hedley will keep a close eye on the NFL Draft after building his American Football skills at University of Miami in the college system
Not only is Hedley a unique face for football fans, he also loves to party. Pictured here celebrating a fourth down conversion against the Duke Blue Devils
Hedley made 18 reserve appearances for Peel as a defender, where his massive kick came in more than handy.
For Hedley, it all started with a few words from Peel Thunder teammate and former Carlton star Paul Bower.
“He just said, ‘Man, you really need to try this.’ You certainly have a future,” Hedley said.
“He said the junior college part pretty sucks, but it’ll all be worth it after that.”
The minimum wage for an NFL player is $750,000 USD which is more than $1.1 million AUD and more than almost all AFL football players.
Australians can watch the draft online through streaming services such as Kayo Sports or NFL Game Pass.