In announcing he was leaving Australia’s National Rugby League in October 2014, Jarryd Hayne said, “It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the NFL.”
Less than a year later, and against great odds, Hayne lived the dream.
Hayne also showed undeniable athletic ability and mental toughness to win a roster spot upon the 49ers’ initial cut to 53 players in September.
After hitting a plateau – not to mention committing three fumbles in six games on punt returns -- the 49ers waived him. When Hayne was not claimed by any other NFL team, he was re-signed to the 49ers’ practice squad.