The 2025 NFL Draft is witnessing a continuing trend of Australian punters making their mark, with Jeremy Crawshaw and James Burnip as notable prospects. Australian punters, known for their unique punting style derived from Australian football, have increasingly joined the NFL, with several already playing for teams like the Bears, 49ers, Seahawks, and Steelers. Crawshaw, from Emu Plains, Australia, made a name at the University of Florida, setting a school record with his punting average, while Burnip, an alumnus of Victoria University and ProKick Australia, excelled at Alabama. Their entries into the NFL Draft underline the growing influence of Australian talent in American football, particularly in special teams. The influx of Australian players reflects their adaptability and the distinct advantage their punting style offers in the game.

Australian punters, including Jeremy Crawshaw and James Burnip, are part of the 2025 NFL Draft, continuing the trend of talent from Down Under entering the league.

The unique punting style of Australian players, characterized by end-over-end kicks that tumble down the field, stems from their background in Australian football.

Jeremy Crawshaw, from Emu Plains, Australia, played for the University of Florida, where he set a school record with a 48.9-yard punt average and was notable for his facial hair.

James Burnip, who attended Victoria University and trained at ProKick Australia, initially committed to Ole Miss but switched to Alabama, where he steadily improved his punting averages each season.

Currently, the NFL features several Australian punters like Tory Taylor, Mitch Wishnowsky, Michael Dickson, and Cameron Johnston, highlighting the success of Australian players in the league.

The presence of Australian punters in the NFL underscores their growing influence and the strategic advantage they bring with their distinctive style of play.

The trend of Australian punters in American football exemplifies their adaptability and the valuable skills they contribute, particularly in the NFL's special teams.

The 2025 NFL Draft is underway, and, as is tradition, a special teamer wasn't selected in the first round. Kickers and punters have been taken higher in recent years, sneaking into the second draft day, but their time usually comes in the later rounds. 

Recently, college football and the NFL have seen an influx of punters coming over from Australia. They largely have a background in Australian football and tend to come to the United States with a unique form of punting.

Where regular punting looks more statuesque, Aussie punting sees the punter roll out in one direction and kick the ball more end over end so it can tumble down the field. 

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Two Australian punters are in the 2025 NFL Draft class, hoping to continue the recent trend and take their talents to the NFL. Here is more information on Jeremy Crawshaw and James Burnip.

Australian punters in NFL

There are four Australian punters currently in the NFL. Tory Taylor is with the Bears, Mitch Wishnowsky plays for the 49ers, Michael Dickson is with the Seahawks, and Cameron Johnston is a member of the Steelers. Taylor was a fourth-round pick in 2024, Wishnowsky was a fourth-round pick in 2019, Dickson was a fifth-round selection in 2018, and Johnston went undrafted in 2017, but he's spent seven seasons in the NFL between the Eagles, Texans, and Steelers. 

Two more punters from Down Under, Max Duffy and Lou Hedley, have also been in the league recently. Duffy received a camp invite from the Broncos in 2023, and Lou Hedley spent the 2023 season with the Saints. Arryn Siposs and Keith Wrzuszczak, both Australia natives, also punted in the NFL within the past seven seasons.

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Who is Jeremy Crawshaw?

Crawshaw is from Emu Plains, Australia. He chose to attend the University of Florida and spent four full seasons with the Gators. Crawshaw redshirted in 2020 and then made the All-SEC Freshman Team in 2021 after playing in all 13 games. He was on pace to have the second-highest average punt distance, but he didn't have enough punts to qualify. In 2023, Crawshaw set a school record with his 48.9 yards per punt. He is recognizable by his awesome facial hair. 

Who is James Burnip?

Burnip went to Victoria University in Australia. He learned how to punt at ProKick Australia and at first committed to play at Ole Miss. He decided to flip his commitment once he learned he had the chance to punt for Alabama. 

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As a freshman, Burnip punted 48 times for the Crimson Tide, averaging 39.1 yards per punt. He improved as a sophomore, averaging 42.3 yards over 44 punts. Burnip improved yet again in 2023 punting 59 times, averaging 47.6 yards per punt. In his final season, he averaged 45.5 yards with his 52 punts.