America loses it over Aussie punter's huge tackle
Cam Johnston has shocked fans by body-slamming one of the most explosive running backs in the NFL.
The Aussie’s Philadelphia Eagles were humiliated 48-7 by the New Orleans Saints on Sunday (local time), with Alvin Kamara running amok on the Philly defence.
But Johnston managed to provide a rare highlight with a brilliant tackle on the running back.
Late in the third quarter at Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Johnston launched a punt downfield before he was called into action to make a tackle.
Kamara broke from from two Eagles defenders, but not a third, as Johnston grabbed hold of him and slammed him to the turf over his hip.
Kamara appeared shellshocked by the hit and earned himself an unsportsmanlike conduct call after a fiery reaction.
Fans immediately took to social media with praise for the Aussie.
They teach some good tackles in Aussie Rules! 💪 Check out @Cam_Johnston. 🏈🇦🇺 https://t.co/Oz7rQBHPlh
— NFLAustralia (@NFLAustralia) November 19, 2018
Cameron Johnston lays the wood on Alvin Kamara on the punt & things get a little chippy
— Daniel Gallen (@danieljtgallen) November 18, 2018
Cameron Johnston with the best tackle of the game for the Eagles.
— Reuben Frank (@RoobNBCS) November 18, 2018
CAM JOHNSTON WANTS TO WIN!!!
— Marc Farzetta (@MarcFarzetta) November 18, 2018
Eagles punter Cameron Johnston just body slammed Alvin Kamara on the return. Best tackle of the day for the eagles.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) November 18, 2018
Cameron Johnston is our MVP
— Francesca (@BarstoolFran) November 18, 2018
Does Cam Johnston have any cover skills?
— Dave Zangaro (@DZangaroNBCS) November 18, 2018
Cameron Johnston body slammed Kamara. Not bad for a punter. #flyEaglesfly #Eagles
— Garry Cobb (@GarryCobb) November 18, 2018
Hey @Cam_Johnston… You’re my hero man #ForTheBrand pic.twitter.com/fU0dWPtNLm
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 18, 2018
Johnston finished with four punts for an average of 39.8 yards.
Aussie punters making name for themselves
Cam Johnston and fellow Aussie punter Michael Dickson look set to battle for a place in the NFL’s Pro Bowl game.
The rookies, who grew up playing Aussie rules, both play in the NFL’s NFC division and with just one punter selected from the division it will likely come down to one of the Australians.
The Pro Bowl game, the NFL’s equivalent to the NBA’s annual All-Star game featuring the best players across the league, will be played January 27 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
Johnston, for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, and Dickson, for the former champion Seattle Seahawks, have been sensational this year.
Johnston leads all NFL punters with 49.6 yards per punt.
Dickson is in third place overall with 48 yards per punt, but has been a headline maker and fan favourite for his booming punts, rugby-style drop kicks and match-winning trick plays.
with AAP