'What a weapon': Aussie rookie stuns America on NFL debut
Michael Dickson has become the second Australian punter to stun NFL fans with his kicking skills in his regular-season debut this weekend.
Cam Johnston showed no nerves in his maiden performance for the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday – and the Victorian has some serious company.
Dickson, from New South Wales and a former Sydney Swans academy prospect, might already be the best punter in the NFL.
That’s the reaction from fans who watched the Seattle Seahawks rookie launch his first kicks in the league against the Denver Broncos on Monday.
He sent punts of 60, 59 and 46 yards in the first and second quarters but it was a monster 69-yard punt early in the third that really set everyone off.
“He just hit a rocket right there, what a weapon that is,” one Fox NFL commentator exclaimed, as the fans joined in:
If a punter averaged 46 yards per punt, he would've finished 12th in the NFL last year.
Michael Dickson's shortest punt today is 46 yards.
His other 3 so far: 59, 60, 69
Two punts downed inside the 6
— Bob Ballou (@BobBallouSports) September 9, 2018
Soooo @SeahawksProShop when are Michael Dickson jerseys going to be for sale online?
— Kung Fu Kody (@kody_davis) September 9, 2018
Ooooo, that Michael Dickson punt was the truth. I haven't been sure until now. But that was real skill.
— Mark Dickenson (@seahawkeye) September 9, 2018
Haven’t bought a Seahawks jersey since Marshawn but honestly Michael Dickson might be the man
— Jay Willis (@jaywillis) September 9, 2018
Michael Dickson is the best player in the NFL. I get so steamed to see Seattle punt.
— Matt Cahill (@drabtshirt) September 9, 2018
#Seahawks punter Michael Dickson practices witchcraft. Punt went 69 and pinned Denver at the 6. Avg. 57 yards per punt on the day. Two inside Denver 10. #GoHawks
— Aaron J. Fentress (@AaronJFentress) September 9, 2018
Is Michael Dickson already the best punter in NFL history?
— Detroit Velvet Smooth (@rwilliamson07) September 9, 2018
The bright side, Michael Dickson is a beast! The downside, we're seeing Michael Dickson way too much. #Seahawks
— Bob Stelton (@BobStelton) September 9, 2018
Michael Dickson already the best punter in the NFL.
— Bailey Clifford (@BaileyCliff10) September 9, 2018
Never thought I’d tweet about a punter, but Michael Dickson a 69 yard punt going out at the Denver 6. What a weapon to have on your special teams.
— Ryan (@Ryan_Pros26) September 9, 2018
Part of the success of the defense stopping Denver can be given to Michael Dickson pinning the Broncos deep. #weapon #Godmode
— Bill Alvstad (@NWSeahawk) September 9, 2018
let me be clearer: michael dickson should've been the first overall pick
— Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) September 9, 2018
Dickson’s Seahawks lost the game 27-24 as Denver came from behind with a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The Australian punter ended the contest with six punts at an average of 57.5 yards per kick and four landing inside the Broncos’ 20.
The 22-year-old is in his debut season as a professional after declaring for the 2018 draft out of the University of Texas.
Picked up in the fifth round, the Seahawks might have found a bargain.