YJF Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 http://www.couriermail.news.com.au/story/0,20797,19194602-5003410,00.html Switch a reality for Aker Andrew Hamilton May 20, 2006 "SHOW me the money" – the line made famous in the sports movie Jerry Maguire – could soon be repeated by the AFL's leading showman Jason Akermanis. Akermanis's career has been full of highlights and headlines but the latest development could top them all – a switch to the NFL. The Brownlow Medallist last night confirmed he'd had informal contact with an American NFL club. Akermanis refused to discuss details or the name of the club, but The Courier-Mail understands it is the New York Jets, the struggling club where former Geelong star Ben Graham plays. And coach Eric Mangini has strong links to Australia. He spent time studying in Melbourne where the idea of converting AFL players into gridiron recruits first flickered. The Oakland Raiders and New York Giants are also known to have scouts in Australia. If you think Akermanis pushes the boundaries in the AFL, he would have to lift a notch in the US. In the NFL he'd be just one of the crowd. He would be another flamboyant trash talking showman who just so happens to possess explosive pace and a safe pair of hands, which are the key attributes of a wide receiver. Sound a bit far fetched? The statistics make interesting reading. Akermanis weighs 83kg and is 177cm tall. It sounds a bit small for the NFL, but the best performed wide receiver in the game last year was Steve Smith, of the Carolina Panthers, who stacks up at 175cm and 83kg. And Smith is the norm, not the exception, especially among the elite. Four of the the top 10 wide receivers in last year's competition are an equivalent height and weight to Akermanis. Patriot Deion Branch, Santana Moss of the Redskins and team mate Antwaan Randle El are all from the same mould – explosive off the mark and safe under the ball. Akermanis, who attended Nudgee College on an athletics scholarship, claims a personal best over 100m of a sizzling 10.8. Even in the more robust position of running back, some of the league's best are a similar height to the Lions midfielder, although the men who make the most yards are heavier. Seattle's Shaun Alexander who set the league record for yards rushed is 180cm and 100kg while Steeler Willie Parker is 180cm and 94kg. But it's not just his size and the fact he can catch a ball, probably as good as any footballer in the US, that makes Akermanis the prototype wide receiver – it is also his colourful personality. Wide receivers are the showmen. In the top grossing Tom Cruise movie Jerry Maguire, Cuba Gooding Jnr's abbrasive character Rod Tidwell was a wide receiver. In real life they're no less controversial. Randy Moss is a blue chip NFL player. The Oakland Raider left the Minnesota Vikings in controversial circumstances after mooning the crowd after one of his many touchdowns in protest at Green Bay Packers fans. Terrell Owens, the who's ability to attract headlines makes Akermanis appear almost camera shy, left the Philadelphia Eagles after falling out with his team mates and is now plying his trade for the Dallas Cowboys. It's not the first time Akermanis has considered a move to another code. He flirted with rugby union several years ago, shocking most of the Lions fans who had watched him claim the Brownlow Medal and the first of three premierships with the club. But that has been Akermanis' style. The suggestion of a switch to the NFL doesn't come without it's obvious questions. He is not young in football terms and he hasn't played the game before, but the Jets are still interested. The club, which struggled last season after reaching the play-offs the previous year, had success adapting Graham to the big time. But he plays as a punt kicker, which is a completely different challenge than the one that would await Akermanis. Graham went to the US without a guaranteed contract but forced his way into the NFL, whose best players earn millions of dollars each season. Akermanis can't command that much in the AFL, where he has been a year-in, year-out star for Brisbane. But he has endured his most testing year in 2006, including publicised differences with coach Leigh Matthews. He was dropped to reserve grade last weekend, prompting suggestions he would quit Brisbane at the end of the season. But his fortunes rose last night when he was included in the Lions' team for tomorrow's clash with Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium. Brisbane faces a crucial clash. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shadetree Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 If the Jets want him, Graham will certaintly help in the recruiting process. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThunderbirdJet Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 If this guy is as flamboyant and outspoken as they make him sound.... I doubt Mangini would be interested, but stanger things have happened. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gainzo Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 The guy is a wanker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonehands Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 Approximately 5'8" 183 lbs....he'd make a nice mascot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gainzo Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 I think this picture should sum him up nicely: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThunderbirdJet Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 He has nice hamstrings, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JetsBlow99 Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 I didnt know kangaroos knew how to play football... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raffyD Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 I think this picture should sum him up nicely: I've seen him play and he's pretty good. Problem is the switch to a new game, it's very difficult. All you need to do is look at the initial struggles Graham had and all he was asked to do was punt the ball, something he had done for a decade already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Savage69 Posted May 19, 2006 Share Posted May 19, 2006 If he likes Shrimp on the Barbie he may go to KC!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maxman Posted May 20, 2006 Share Posted May 20, 2006 How old is he? Seems like that would be a brutal conversion to make. He would certainly make a good training camp story though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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