Aussie 'lost for words' after NFL dream realised

Australia will have another player in the NFL next season, with Melbourne-born punter Tory Taylor drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round.

The 26-year-old is coming off a record-setting career at Iowa, which saw him set an NCAA mark last season with 4,479 yards punting while playing for a team with the worst offense in the nation.

Taylor is the Hawkeyes’ career leader in punts (295) and yards punting (13,657).

Chicago has now addressed a clear issue in their ranks, with the side one of the worst punting groups in the entire NFL last season with Trenton Gill in the role.

“He’s going to help our defence,” scot Drew Raucina said.

Australian-born punter Tory Taylor running out onto the field for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

“Everything about that he’s going to help us, come in here immediately and make an impact. The leg strength. The way he can flip the field [will help us].

Taylor’s selection at No.122 in this year’s NFL Draft makes him just the fifth punter to sneak into the fourth round in the past 15 years.

In an emotional video posted to social media, Taylor was at home with family and friends when he was informed by the Bears of their decision to select him.

In a later video, Taylor expressed his jubilation ahead of the jump from college football to the NFL with the franchise.

“I’m really excited to be a Bear and can’t wait to get to work,” he said.

“I’m a little lost for words at the moment … it hasn’t really sunk in.

“I appreciate all the coaches and I know a lot of things go into this. I really appreciate everyone’s support and go Bears.”

Chicago has had an incredible weekend at the Draft, landing star quarterback Caleb Williams with the No.1 overall pick, before acquiring wide receiver Rome Odunze.

Tory Taylor's ready to work 😤 pic.twitter.com/NF7XE4jDS0

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 27, 2024

Taylor however revealed a text message from Williams, who is the new great white hope for the Bears, claiming he might not be required much in 2024.

“Caleb just texted me before saying ‘Hey you’re not going to punt too much here,’ which is great … that was pretty funny,” the Aussie said.

“Certainly the NFL is going to be a lot different than Iowa. I punted 90-something times, nearly 300 times in my career almost. I know it’s not going to be like that in the NFL.

“But as long as I’m punting balls, I don’t really care what happens.”