Jarryd Hayne Quits Rugby to Pursue NFL Career

Updates from Saturday, Oct. 18

David DiRiccio of Fox Sports has an update on where Hayne will be trying out:

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What began as a pipe dream for Hayne of playing grid iron is closer to reality than ever with six NFL clubs chasing the NRL star, including the Detroit Lions after a personal recommendation from superstar Reggie Bush.

Bush, one of the NFL’s most recognised running backs whose current deal with Detroit is worth $16 million, has paved the way for Hayne to earn a prized contract in the US.

On the back of Bush’s glowing appraisal of Hayne, the former Parramatta Eels ace has been offered a train-and-trial deal with NFL heavyweights Detroit.

How much the deal is worth remains a closely guarded secret by Hayne and his management.

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Bush talked about Hayne's skills, according to DiRiccio:

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“He actually looks like an NFL running back,’’ Bush said. “Looks like he could come play with us tomorrow.

“He’s fast, strong and ... wow. Look at that hit. That’s an NFL football hit. I like this guy.”

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Original Text

Jarryd Hayne will still be carrying an oval-shaped ball for a living, but he may be doing it on a different continent—and in a different sport.   

In a shocking move Tuesday, the 26-year-old superstar announced he will leave the Parramatta Eels and will withdraw from Australia's Four Nations squad as he transitions from the National Rugby League to the National Football League.

He released a statement confirming the news, via Parraeels.com:

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For the past 24 months I’ve been thinking about having a crack in the NFL, and over the last 12 months I’ve been seriously considering it.

Today I can officially announce that I will be heading to the United States to pursue an opportunity to play American Football. 

I will be withdrawing from the Kangaroos Four Nations side immediately, and accepting a conditional release from the Eels to make the move overseas.

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Hayne, who was the NRL's top tryscorer and shared the Dally M Player of the Year award in 2014, visited the Seattle Seahawks' facilities last month and clearly enjoyed what the defending champions had to offer:

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Leaving Seattle with such great memories. thank you to every1 who mad the trip great :) #Huskies #Seahawks #serevi #god  ✈️

— jarryd hayne (@jarrydhayne_1) September 24, 2014"

It's unclear whether the Seahawks, or any other team, have promised him a roster spot—or even an opportunity—but to leave the NRL while in his prime and at the top of the sport, he must feel confident about his chances of making it in the NFL.

In terms of a future position, the most logical fit for a 6'2", 220-pounder would appear to be running back, but if he in fact makes a 53-man roster, his initial role would likely be limited to special teams. Rugby League players are tough as nails, though, and Hayne has a tantalizing blend of size and athleticism.

Check out Hayne's skill set here:

He sees himself as a return man, via BuzzFeed's Mark Di Stefano:

Of course, those are all questions and talking points for the future. No matter what happens, this has the makings to turn into one of the most compelling sports stories of the year.

This isn't quite Michael Jordan making the jump to baseball, but it will be undeniably intriguing to watch the Australian superstar attempt such a drastic switch.