Hayne needs to keep low profile: Graham

Now that his bombshell announcement is out of the way, Jarryd Hayne has been advised to go to ground by one of Australia’s most notable NFL converts, Ben Graham.

The former AFL star turned NFL punter Graham said Hayne needed to be aware of the worst case scenario, which is that even at 26 years of age, he may not have enough time to make a successful transition to American football.

Graham warned there were “thousands upon thousands of athletes in America who want that same job Jarryd Hayne will be looking to work towards.”

The retired 40-year-old along with Sav Rocca and Darren Bennett made the transition from AFL to a kicking position in the NFL.

Hayne is attempting something even more challenging, qualifying for a field playing position on an NFL roster.

Graham says it’s not impossible that Hayne could achieve his dream and make it as a kick returner or punt returner.

But he believes the best course of action is to avoid a media storm and manage his expectations.

“If I was Jarryd, I’d say now it’s time to shut up shop,” Graham told Fox Sports.

“Keep a low profile and get to work.

“He’s not too old at all.

“There’s plenty of guys that don’t make it into the league until that age.

“It may take longer than that (Hayne’s time limit).

“You really do have to look at the worst case scenario.

“There’s no such thing as any easy transition. He’s got a long road ahead but I am fully supportive and admire the decision he’s made.”

Graham witnessed first hand the attempt of another NRL star to make the leap to American football – when Willie Mason took part in a trial with the New York Jets in 2006.

The former Jet, New Orleans Saint and Arizona Cardinal says Mason’s failed venture was a lesson in how hard Hayne’s challenge will be to pick up a sport he’s never played before.

“I’ll never forget. I was on the practice field (when Mason arrived),” Graham said.

“All the players stopped dead and said, ‘who’s this guy? He’s six foot five, he’s going to take my spot’.

“He didn’t perform very well because he hadn’t grown up with the sport.

“He didn’t know all of the ins and outs of the NFL and how to move in any position.”

Graham said it would be virtually impossible for Hayne to get a contract at this point in time, given the season is underway and clubs would have to include him in this year’s salary cap.

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