Australian Rugby Star Jarryd Hayne Retires From NFL After 1 Season, Glorifies God for Dream Fulfilled
Australian rugby star Jarryd Hayne thanked God for helping him fulfill his dream of playing in the NFL before announcing his retirement from the game to return to the world of rugby.
"I am retiring from the NFL because the Fiji Rugby Sevens team reached out to me about the opportunity to join the team for the upcoming Olympics, and I simply could not pass that chance up," the 28-year-old National Rugby League star said in in a statement, according to NFL.com. "The Olympics has been something I have admired since I was a little boy, and it is an opportunity I feel very similar to me joining the NFL."
When the NFL posted a clip of Hayne's first game, the rugby player glorified God for the moment.
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"Had a heck of a fun time. First night under the big lights. God is good," he posted on Twitter Sunday.
After signing with the San Francisco 49ers as a running back last year, the Christian athlete spoke about his faith in God throughout his transition from rugby to the NFL.
"I'm the worst Christian I know. I struggle with sin and temptation all the time," he said during a March 2015 press conference. "For me, they are the key areas where I want to improve as well. They're part of that journey now."
He continued, "Still God's favour [reigns] over my life. Why, I'm not sure, but I love ya' big man. Without [You] I can't achieve much," Hayne wrote last year. "With YOU I can achieve anything. Incredible proud to join the 49ers franchise. To my family, friends 'n' fans, thank you for your love and support. Looking forward to setting up in San Francisco and doing what it takes to make the roster."
In 2014, Hayne was honored as the top player in the NRL before announcing that he would walk away from a $1 million contract to join the NFL.
"I just want to give a lot of thank yous to a lot of people that played big roles in this journey, and give honor where honor is due, and first and foremost it's God. My faith has led me this far," he said at last year's press conference. "The hard stuff starts now. This is a huge risk. I'm taking a massive leap of faith."
