Burton’s 62m bomb: NFL gamble payoff?

Burton’s Monster Kick Ignites NFL Punting Dream

A sensational 62-metre field goal attempt during Canterbury Bulldogs training has sent ripples through the rugby league world, with star player Matt Burton openly considering a lucrative career change to punting in the NFL. This display of raw kicking power comes at a time when Australian punters are experiencing unprecedented success in American football, most notably Michael Dickson, who played a pivotal role in the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl triumph.

The impressive feat, captured and shared across the Bulldogs’ social media platforms, quickly garnered millions of views. In the footage, Burton unleashes a booming kick that sails through the posts from an astonishing distance. The sheer power and accuracy of the kick are undeniable, prompting a celebratory fist pump and a nonchalant “Not bad” to his teammates. This single kick has reignited discussions about Burton’s potential to follow in the footsteps of other Australian sporting stars who have found success in the NFL.

The record for the longest field goal in NFL history stands at an imposing 68 yards, which converts to approximately 62.2 metres, a mark set by Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little last year. Burton’s training ground effort not only matches this incredible distance but also suggests he possesses the fundamental power required for the professional American gridiron game.

Burton’s manager, David Riolo, confirmed the 25-year-old’s genuine interest in exploring an NFL career. “There’s already been some interest from NFL scouts – it’s something he wants to look at down the track, for sure,” Riolo stated. Burton is currently under contract with the Bulldogs until the end of 2025, at which point he will be 27 years old. While his rugby league journey is far from over, Riolo emphasised that Burton would not dismiss an NFL opportunity if it presented itself. “He’s off contract with the Dogs at the end of next year. I don’t think his rugby league journey finishes there, but he will not close the door on an opportunity if it arose in the NFL. He’s got time on his side. And he likes the game and likes kicking the footy,” Riolo added.

The financial implications of such a move are significant. Burton is reportedly earning around $800,000 per season with the Bulldogs. In contrast, some of the NFL’s top kickers, such as Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jake Elliott of the Philadelphia Eagles, who are in their early thirties, command salaries in the region of $8.5 million per year. This substantial pay gap, coupled with the allure of a different sporting challenge, makes the prospect of an NFL career highly attractive.

Teammates and Experts Weigh In

Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton, who witnessed Burton’s remarkable kick firsthand, expressed his admiration. “He’s done that before,” Crichton commented. “I know how big his boot is. I’ve never seen anyone kick it bigger than ‘Burto’. He’s a bit like a cheat code when you’re playing games – he gets you out of trouble.” This sentiment highlights Burton’s value to the Bulldogs, not just as a playmaker but also as a player capable of turning defensive pressure into attacking opportunities with his powerful kicks.

Colin Scotts, a pioneering Australian who previously played in the NFL, has urged Burton to seize this moment and explore the American game immediately. Scotts suggested that Burton should create new footage of himself kicking the ball with a holder, a more direct simulation of an NFL field goal. “That’s unbelievable,” Scotts remarked after viewing the training kick. “A tee helps you kick the ball further, and the next test would be getting someone to hold the ball and kicking it off the ground. I’d love to see what he’s got.”

Scotts further advised Burton on the best pathways to pursue an NFL career. “At the end of the season, he should talk to Gridiron Australia, or even Prokick in Victoria, which would give him a straight avenue to the NFL and all their scouts,” he recommended. “Scouts are always looking for long-distance kickers, just as they are with punters. And everyone is talking about our [Australians’] kicking ability – you need to go now when we’re hot.”

Burton’s Kicking Prowess: Beyond the Field Goal

While the 62-metre field goal has captured national attention, Burton’s kicking ability has long been a feature of his game in rugby league. His signature “torpedo bombs” are a crowd favourite, often soaring to incredible heights – one such kick during a 2024 game against Parramatta reached nearly 34 metres in the air. Coach Cameron Ciraldo acknowledges the effectiveness of these long-range aerial assaults in disrupting opposition fullbacks. However, he has also noted that mis-timed torpedo kicks, which can occur due to the ball’s spiral trajectory, can sometimes result in the Bulldogs having to defend from further up the field. This highlights the different tactical considerations between rugby league and American football, where precision and consistency in kicking are paramount for field goals and punts.

The prospect of Matt Burton transitioning to the NFL represents a compelling narrative of cross-code sporting ambition. With his exceptional kicking talent on full display, the young Australian is undoubtedly on the radar of NFL scouts, and his potential future in the American game is a topic that will undoubtedly continue to generate significant interest.