'Killed a guy': America goes nuts over Aussie's 'awesome' NFL moment
Australian NFL prospect Mitch Wishnowsky has made one hell of an impression in the San Francisco 49ers’ pre-season clash with the Denver Broncos.
Wishnowsky was picked in the fourth-round by the 49ers at the most recent NFL draft as a kick-off and punting specialist, but showed off his AFL roots with a bone-crunching tackle on Denver’s Devontae Jackson.
Kickers aren’t usually known for the tackling, but Wishnowsky showed he’s not afraid of the tough stuff with a textbook hit on Jackson.
Wishnowsky, who is 27 years old and stands at 6’2 (187cm in our money) was more than a match for the speedy Jackson, who gave up a decent size advantage with his 170cm frame.
BIG MITCH HIT 🔨@mitchwish does it #ForTheBrand! @NFLAustralia pic.twitter.com/BaIO38TFPO
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 20, 2019
The massive hit wowed San Francisco fans, who were thrilled to see their kicker make such an unusual play for someone at that position.
Mitch Wishnowsky just killed a guy. #Utes pic.twitter.com/p5kLDUePe5
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) August 20, 2019
I wonder if tackling ability was on the #49ers’ scouting report for Mitch Wishnowsky...
(🎥: @49ers)pic.twitter.com/GXJU2K5sPv— Rob Lowder (@Rob_Lowder) August 20, 2019
Mitch Wishnowsky was not happy about his 4th kick off not being a touchback so he tackled the returner himself. A penalty puts the ball back at the 9 yard line. https://t.co/ypSiyp2yOM
— Jennifer Lee Chan (@jenniferleechan) August 20, 2019
#49ers P Mitch Wishnowsky bringing out the Aussie Rules football player on that hit.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) August 20, 2019
On the plus side, Niners fans: 16 games and a lot of action for the unquestionably awesome Mitch Wishnowsky.
— Dieter Kurtenbach (@dieter) August 20, 2019
The highlight play bodes well for the 27-year-old, who will be hoping his versatility helps cement his place on the team.
‘Best I’ve got’: Wishnowsky
The affable kicker made light of his highlight player when he joined the 49ers Insiders Podcast after the game.
Wishnowsky said he usually stays back, but saw a gap to prevent Jackson from busting through the defence.
“I just saw it kind of open up and it was more, I thought I’d just plug a hole,” he said.
“I was almost expecting to get side-stepped, but it didn’t happen.
“I reckon that’s about as good as I’ve got.”
The play got the commentators excited as well.
“The rookie punter and kick-off specialist with a special teams tackle. By the way he’s 6-2 (187cm) and 220 (99kg) and 27-year-old rookie,” commentators said
“That’s what happens when you’re a former Aussie Rules football player. He doesn’t have a problem coming in on a 5-7 (170cm), 170 (77kg) return man.”