Green Bay Signs Aussie

[pies4ever]

Green Bay sign Aussie
From correspondents in Green Bay, Wisconsin
March 30, 2004

AUSTRALIAN-born punter Nathan Chapman, a retired AFL veteran, signed an American football contract with the Green Bay Packers today.


Chapman played with Brisbane and Hawthorn in the AFL before a series of injuries helped end his promising career.

In 1992, Brisbane made him the second overall pick in the AFL draft. Chapman, 28, was considered one of the sport's brightest young prospects, winning the Rising Star Award.

He played 60 games with Brisbane before struggling with injuries. He then switched to Hawthorn, where he played another 16 before retiring.

Chapman, born in Kangaroo Flats, played in Australia's American Football League competition as a prelude to his joining the National Football League.

Financial terms of his contract were not released.

Chapman joins Darren Bennett, another former Aussie footballer in the NFL.

Bennett played with Melbourne and the West Coast Eagles in Australia football before he joined the San Diego Chargers as a punter 10 years ago. He signed earlier this month with the Minnesota Vikings.

Chapman played as a defender while Bennett was a forward in the AFL.



cheers bryan..!!