The NFL is taking over the MCG this week, with the first game of the 2026/27 NFL season kicking off this Friday on the hallowed turf.
For the first time in history, an NFL game will be played in Australia, as the NFL aims to expand its market globally, but it's not the first time Australians have been exposed to the NFL.
Several former AFL players have made the switch to the NFL, using arguably an AFL player's best skill: kicking.
AFL players have been able to use the most common ability in AFL to carve out a role in the NFL and evolve the position of punting.
Nathan Chapman
Nathan Chapman was drafted with Pick 2 by the Brisbane Bears in 1992 and featured in 76 games across the Bears, Lions and Hawthorn.
Injury derailed his AFL career, and after eight seasons, his AFL career was over.
In 2004, Chapman was signed as a free agent to the Green Bay Packers and went on to feature in three preseason games.
He also spent time with the Chicago Bears during their preseason and rookie camps.
Chapman also founded, in 2007, Prokick Australia - a company geared toward creating a pathway for Australians into US College football.
