REGGIE Bush has a Los Angeles pad on the market for $6 million.
He has a Super Bowl ring. Won, then forfeited, a Heisman trophy. Even went out with Kim Kardashian.
In short, it takes more than a little to shock him.
“But this guy — wow,’’ the NFL running back exclaims now, watching as a highlights reel of Jarryd Hayne plays out on a laptop.
“He actually looks like an NFL running back. Looks like he could come play with us tomorrow.
“Although, wait, what’s that there … did he just throw the ball over a tackler’s head? Is that even legal?’’
NFL star Reggie Bush is in town on a promotional tour. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Corp Australia
And so you press pause, then rewind.
Explaining to one of the most gifted athletes in American football how — in that swirl of action he mistook for a throw — the guy wearing Parramatta’s No.1 jersey actually dropped the ball onto his foot, chipped over the defender, regathered with one hand and then scored our equivalent of a touchdown.
“Wow,’’ the Detroit Lion continues as the play unfolds again in slow motion. “That’s one sweet move.”
Reggie Bush is impressed by the skills of Jarryd Hayne. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: News Corp Australia
Among the most recognisable faces in the NFL, Bush and a small American entourage — which includes his glamorous fiance Lilit Avagyan — will be guests at ANZ Stadium on Wednesday night to watch Hayne in Origin II.
Ironically, the 29-year-old American football star — currently in Sydney on a whirlwind promotional tour — is one of the very running backs who, for years, Hayne has studied in a bid to improve his own attacking game.
Jarryd Hayne declared he is fit and ready for Origin II 0:36
New South Wales fullback Jarryd Hayne has declared he'll be good to go on Wednesday night after touching down in Sydney ahead of State of Origin II.
“Really? That’s humbling,’’ Bush continues, keeping both eyes on the highlights reel. “I can’t wait to see him play.
“He’s fast, strong and … wow! Look at that hit. That’s an NFL football hit. I like this guy.”
Currently preparing for his ninth season of NFL — and second with the Detroit Lions — Bush has been handpicked by the organisation to travel Down Under and spruik new broadcasting deals with both Channel Seven and ESPN.
As part of the agreement, both stations will show 2014 games live, while ESPN is also introducing an NFL RedZone — which alternates between the best action of all Sunday afternoon games, going live whenever a team goes inside the 20-yard line.
Bush, for his part, hopes to be in said vision plenty.
Once rated the most exciting prospect in college football the Lions veteran is now in arguably his greatest running form since turning professional.
Despite being surrounded by impossible hype his entire career (Adidas filmed a commercial around he and David Beckham in only his second season) the noted gym junkie has regularly produced and better, survived.
NSW Blues camp getting excited 1:53
Arriving in Sydney with just two days till Origin II League correspondent Steve Hart says the mood around the Blues' camp is one of excitement
Covering 40 yards in 4.3 seconds, and able to squat 210kg in repetitions of five, the Detroit speedster also boasts the type of lateral movement that once saw team-mates dubbing him ‘Baby Matrix’.
“For me it’s all about speed, agility, elusiveness – exactly the same as Jarryd,’’ he says. “While I don’t really know anything about this Origin thing I am really looking forward to it.
“Especially now. Jarryd’s definitely going to be in this game Wednesday night, right?’’
Replies
NFL "athletes" are over-rated.
fail
Head on down to any Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers session and most of the blokes there could play NFL too - as linemen.
NRL version of this wld b mad if they played more games on a Sunday arvo.
I have NFL game pass that includes Red Zone - I love them both - It's the best $200 dollars I spend all year - 365 days of NFL coverage for an NFL junkie like me (Redskins fan since attending Washington-Lee High School in Arlington Virginia (part time) in 1980-1982 - notable classmate Sandra Bullock)
The NFL would be more interesting if they played without helmets, pads, guards etc.
That's why the RL is the toughest game on the planet.
Sounds like they wear tampons too.
-
1
-
2
-
3
of 3 Next