Australian Rugby-Turned-NFL Star Jarryd Hayne Glorifies God in First 49ers Start
Former Australian Rugby player Jarryd Hayne is glorifying God after starting in his first NFL game as a running back for the San Francisco 49er.
"Less then 24 hours after getting activated to the roster I get my first NFL start. The game didn't go the way we wanted, which was disappointing," Hayne wrote on Instagram after the 32-17 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday. "Was good to get back out on the field #chasingthedream. Appreciate the support from the #49ersfaithful, down under and across the world. #Godisgood."
After becoming an official running back for the San Francisco 49ers last year, 27-year-old Hayne was signed to the Under Armour activewear brand, where he joined big names like New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry.
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The Christian athlete has been vocal about his faith in God throughout the process of his transition into the NFL. Still, he has admitted that he is far from perfect.
"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."
For Hayne, his faith is stronger than the struggles that lay ahead in his journey in a new league and country.
"It's not just about playing in the NFL. Christ comes before everything," he said during the press conference. "That is why, when you make those decisions, if you don't have Him to lean on or focus on, there's going to be a lot of dark days over there. It won't last. I won't last."
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.
"Firstly, 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 news conference.
"The hard stuff starts now. This is a huge risk. I'm taking a massive leap of faith."
Hayne then took to Instagram to glorify God even further, speaking about the favor he's been given after it was announced that he would begin to practice for the 49ers.
"I'm the worst [Christian] I know but 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. "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."
