This is Michael Dickson

Just who is Michael Dickson?

A smirk stretched broadly across his face. There was a pause, before a beaming smile shone through.

Seattle's punting sensation Michael Dickson was thinking quickly -- as he's often prone to do -- before revealing what we all knew long before: "You can go on forever, but my job is the punter for the Seahawks. [I] live in the U.S. but still feel pretty Australian. Kick footballs for a living, [it's] the best job in the world in my opinion."

There's an element of minimization in Dickson's answer - typical of those from his homeland, often whom are shackled by humility. He is far more than just one of the NFL's 32 punters. Though it is telling the one-time All-Pro, when questioned as to his identity, led with his profession. This isn't a case of Dickson's identity being solely embedded in his career, but it does show its unmistakable importance to him.

Why is he one of the first inside Seattle's Virginia Mason Athletic Center (VMAC)? Why is he one of the last to leave? What drives him to fight through when waves of negativity crash on his shore? Mindfulness certainly contributes. Dickson journals daily and undertakes various breathing techniques, alongside a deep-dive into UFOs, The Great Pyramids, and mushrooms - though that's a story for later.

His why, as is often with most, fuels him to constantly better his skill set. Listening to him, it seems as if there is a never-ending reserve of wood to throw on his fire. His flame won't be going out anytime soon.

"I have a lot of reasons but you know, it's more just about myself - the feeling that you get from competing," Dickson told Patrick Djordjevic, via ESPN.

"Basically, I just love competing. I used to think it was family and stuff, but then when you start tying too many things to it, you start adding all these extra pressures. I just really enjoy it, sometimes I have a why but I just enjoy it. I don't really need to look to something that motivates me, I'm just motivated.

"I'm super competitive, not just with other punters in the league but with myself. I'll set these little goals each year and I'll set my long-term goal. You know, I want to be the greatest I can be and want to be one of the best in the league ever."

Football immortality truly is Dickson's goal. There was a sense of destiny, a sense of speaking it into existence as he spoke from Seahawks HQ prior to the Week 10 loss vs. Arizona. There was no hesitation as he laid out his desire to have his own bust in Canton. When pressed, a flash of typical Australian modesty reared its head once more: "I think that's every player's dream. I would love that."

The cold, harsh reality is most players can't begin to fantasize about something so beyond their reach. Dickson isn't most punters, both on and off the gridiron field. For a player, who in 2018 became the first rookie punter since 1985 to be voted to the Pro Bowl -- and this year went viral for an incredible double-punt against the Los Angeles Rams -- Dickson leads a quiet life.

Trawl through his social media and all you'll see is football. There's rarely anything more on offer to the public and it's the way Dickson likes it. His private life will remain that way, though he does indulge in some of life's more common pleasures away from social media. Long walks and drives are enjoyable, so too listening to R&B music and observing the latest fashion trends - evidenced in his stylish pregame outfits.

Dickson is never far away from sport, punishing the odd soccer ball and even partaking in Australia's favorite summer pastime from 7,000 miles away. This offseason, Dickson spent many a day with his cousin -- and current University of Texas punter -- Ryan Bujcevski. The pair often batted and bowled in front of what were almost certainly confused onlookers.

Unfortunately, they weren't playing in front of family or friends - a result of the draconian lockdown rules imposed Australia-wide, including Dickson's home state of New South Wales. A thoughtful, relaxed Dickson turned exasperated and derisive once the topic of his absence from Oz arose. There was bewilderment in his tone and frustration on his face.

"As much as I hate to say it, it was kind of embarrassing," Dickson said of watching Australia from afar. "It was embarrassing seeing how it was handled. I'm glad things are getting back in order now but I mean, it's a time where we haven't been through it before ... I could go on forever, I miss being home.

"I didn't really like the way it was handled and I didn't really like the arrogance of some of the politicians about it. It is what it is. Hopefully the public and the politicians learn from this and really take some steps forward in the future to make sure that this sort of thing doesn't really happen again, because I think it was ridiculous."

By the time Dickson makes it back to Australia in January or February, depending on when the Seahawks' campaign ends, he will have been away for two whole years. It's two years too long for a man who loves his family and his country. Seattle's No. 4 usually returns to Sydney twice a year, and admits life has been tougher without home comforts.

"[I] would've liked to have come home earlier in the year but just staying in a hotel room where you're not guaranteed a window -- for two weeks' time -- is just crazy," he said. "I know it wouldn't have been good for my mental health, I don't think it's good for anyone's mental health doing that. So, just kind of frustrated and disappointed in the whole way that, that was handled."

While Dickson hasn't been able to travel across the Pacific, he has undertaken travel of another kind; transporting himself back in time each morning.

"I get into a lot of ancient civilizations that kind of fell, and definitely Egypt fascinates me. I still don't know how they built the pyramids. It just blows me away. I mean, I'll watch as many videos as there are on YouTube - I'm pretty sure I've watched them all now.

"This morning, I watched some stuff on Vikings and how they would take mushrooms before they would go into war and be Berserkers and stuff. I share with our long snapper (Tyler Ott) quite a bit. I mean the theory's crazy; you've got to look up Graham Hancock's theory on it, last year when all the UFO stuff was coming out - I don't know if it's true but it's just fun to watch.

"I probably sound like a crazy man now but I just enjoy watching any sort of out-there stuff, just for entertainment. I don't really believe any of it, it's just kind of fun to watch."

The Seattle Seahawks may well be trending downward with their 3-7 record, but Dickson continues his ascension to the very top of his profession. If his drive and mental fortitude are any indication, Dickson could rise higher than the pyramids which so intrigue him.

His resting place, though, could very well be Canton rather than Cairo.

After speed dating, puzzles and doubters Arryn Siposs is ready for his NFL moment

Arryn Siposs sat stone-faced, listening intently, before breaking into laughter. He had done well to conceal his disdain up until this point. Moments earlier, I had reminded him about public doubts over his length strength. American media had queried the value of a punter who averaged just 43.8 yards per game — ranked 35th in all of college football. 

How could he produce at the next level? There would be more pressure. More room for error and less time post-snap. His grin said it all. The critiques held no weight with the ex-AFL footballer who surprised NFL teams — many of whom held similar reservations — during a very promising display at the NFL Combine in February. 

“It’s very funny,” Siposs remarked with a smile as he relaxed back onto his couch in Auburn, Alabama. “It is very funny,” he said again. This was something he had heard before yet he embraced it, welcomed it in fact. 

“I just think people look at my stats and think I don’t really have the leg strength because I’m kicking a drop punt the majority of the time."

The reality is Siposs didn’t choose to kick an end-over-end punt, ever since he arrived in The Plains he had wanted to add the spiral to his on-field repertoire. 

On several occasions, he approached Auburn Head Coach Gus Malzahn but it fell on deaf ears. Auburn struggled with punt coverage during last season — at one point ranked last in the nation — ensuring the spiral was never a realistic possibility. It frustrated Siposs but a surprise invite to the NFL Combine proved his golden ticket. 

It was just after 7pm on Tuesday, February 25 in downtown Indianapolis. For the first time in many years Siposs was partaking in a date. Only this time it wasn’t with wife Rachael, nor just one other person. This was NFL “speed dating," combine style. 

Eight tables were set out inside Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. Each contained several special teams coaches. All 32 NFL teams were represented — whether they were interested or otherwise. Some coaches sat mute, no different to a person disinterested on a miserly first date. Though this time, there were no bathroom windows for an early escape. 

“Every 15 minutes you’d move around to a different table,” Siposs exclusively told Patrick Djordjevic. 

“Even if they didn’t want a punter, you’d have to go around. Some coaches asked all the questions and there were some who asked nothing at all.”

Denver were intrigued, so too Baltimore, whereas San Francisco sat idle, comfortable with the performances of fellow Aussie Mitch Wishnowsky during his rookie season. 

Yet there was one thing on every coaches' lips. 

“I got asked the same question over and over again. ‘Can you hit a spiral?” Siposs’ answer? “Well, that’s what I’m here to show you guys!”

It was 11.45am, three days after speed dating, when Siposs took to the gridiron. Just 12 balls stood between he and vindication. 15 total kicks were set out, three pooch punts — a short kick, usually end-over-end, which eliminates the threat of a big return, and a dozen spirals. 

Siposs’ draft hopes were pinned upon the spiral — ironically the lesser used variety in the NFL. Six had to be kicked as high and far as possible, then three directionally left, before three to the right.

Nerves ran throughout Siposs’ body, his mind struggled to stay in the moment as he waited for his chance. This of course was fleeting, until he customarily brought himself back to neutrality. 

“I said to myself ‘you’ve done this so many times, you’ve played in front of 90,000 people and been able to execute, so why’s it any different here. Just go back and draw on what you’ve learnt,’ that put me in the best position to succeed.”

And succeed he did. The first spiral was hit with venom, measuring 53 yards long with a hang time of 5.12 seconds. In other words, a near perfect punt. The kick wasn’t merely a fantastic advertisement of talent, it meant more. It was a potent rebuke.

“That was a bit of an F you to everyone who doubted that I was unable to kick a spiral,” Siposs said with a wry smile.  

“To have coaches questioning you at the time then coming up and saying ‘well done, you’ve obviously been working on it,’ that was great to see.”

Despite the underwhelming statistical season, Siposs’ best performances came against college football’s best. On the road against eventual national champion LSU, Siposs produced a career game — in front of 102,160 no less.  He punted a career-high 10 times with just two of those returned, totalling seven yards.

Many remember Siposs’ part in November’s Iron Bowl against fierce rival Alabama, where Nick Saban’s team were famously penalised for having 12 men on the field on the final play. However, NFL personnel paid closer attention to the Aussie’s performance against Jaylen Waddle — the country’s best return specialist. The All-SEC sophomore sensation gashed Auburn on a 98-yard kickoff return touchdown, but failed to get the better of Siposs that day. 

Waddle and Alabama did not have a single punt return yard, ensuring their offence was hampered before even stepping onto the field. Both of Siposs’ punts landed inside the 20-yard line, meaning the opposition had to cover at least 80 yards to score a touchdown. 

That was a simpler time. Now, the world -- including the NFL -- has been thrown into chaos. Countless prospects have been unable to physically showcase their talents as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. Siposs has also embraced the virtual world, producing film for wanting NFL teams, his wife Rachael playing the role of camerawoman. 

Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens and the New York Jets are amongst a host of teams who have shown interest in Siposs, but the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons — where fellow Australian punter Sam Irwin-Hill is contracted — are the front-runners as we speak. They have both told Siposs he is a strong chance to be drafted in the later rounds. However the Aussie is philosophical, aware of how little weight such comments hold.

“I really have no idea how everything is going to pan out. I’ve got no idea. Obviously it’s really nice having two teams contacting you regularly but you never really know.

“If it doesn’t work out in the draft, then I am confident one of those teams -- if not both -- will definitely approach me to be a part of their group. I certainly feel very confident and comfortable that I will get an opportunity, no matter what happens.”

It is almost certain Siposs’ name will not be read out on the first two days of the 2020 NFL Draft, his most likely opportunity will come on Sunday in rounds four-seven. Despite that moment being four days away, the Victorian is already anxious. 

“There’s definitely a few nerves starting to settle in,” he said. “It’s obviously not knowing exactly what’s going to happen which brings it on. Obviously you want to get drafted but the reality is it may not happen, and you have to be prepared for that. I trust that I’ve put in the work to make sure I’m ready to go."

For now Siposs is practicing his golf swing at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Auburn. When he’s not on the course, Siposs is cooking up his specialty; spaghetti bolognese. Sometimes, even furthering his newfound interest in puzzles. 

It is not known what Siposs’ immediate future holds but one thing is certain. When the opportunity arises, he will be a missing piece in the NFL’s punting puzzle. 

Denver Bronco Adam Gotsis reveals all about rape charges and career-worst season

Adam Gotsis wants to set the record straight. For too long he has stayed silent after his life descended into chaos.

Sat in a small room at the Denver Broncos’ performance facility, the 6’4", 130 kg Australian briefly looked up before diverting his gaze to the ground beneath him. His shoulders rolled forward before slouching over.

“It was definitely tough” Gotsis said, recalling the rape charges levelled against him in 2018.

“I really felt like I couldn’t talk to anyone about what was going on. I knew what happened and didn’t happen, so it was a tough spot to be in.”

Almost two years ago on February 1, 2018, a then 30-year-old woman told Atlanta police she was raped by Gotsis back in 2013 during his time at Georgia Tech University. The pair allegedly met through mutual friends at a party before returning to Gotsis’ home. It is there, the woman alleged, he forced himself upon her.

A month on from the belated accusation Gotsis received a phone call which would alter his life forever. A warrant was out for his arrest and despite utter disbelief and shock, he turned himself in on March 7, 2018.

Just 15 minutes from downtown Atlanta, Gotsis was locked behind bars for around 10 hours. Fulton County’s jail cell was a long way from the opulence of the NFL. The only luxuries offered were a bologna sandwich and a M&M cookie — both of which went untouched. Gotsis’ career and personal life flashed before his eyes as panic set in. What would his future hold?

“Going into the jail, I was thinking what the hell am I doing in here, why am I in here? Emotionally it just tears you apart,” Gotsis exclusively told Patrick Djordjevic.

“Deep down I always knew I was going to be all right. The truth is always going to come out, no matter what it is, so in my heart I knew I was going to be okay.”

After posting $50,000 (USD) bail, Gotsis was released from custody and tried to resume the most normal life possible. He chose not to return to his family in Australia after his visa was cancelled. Thus, his sisters traveled to America to be by his side

While the investigation continued, he was permitted to train with the Broncos as normal. The gruelling football schedule offered solace for an otherwise troubled man. Moments of solitude caused great anguish and despite a constant protestation of innocence, doubts over his future were amplified in isolation.

In August 2018 Gotsis received an outcome he had yearned for. The Fulton County District Attorney dropped the investigation, clearing Denver’s No. 99 of any wrongdoing.

Almost 18 months on from the decision, Gotsis is still lost for words. The damage to his name hurts him more than anything else, the pain visible as he discusses the subject. No longer was he the jovial, gentle giant. Gotsis became quieter, exhibiting a previously unseen vulnerability.

“Growing up you want to develop into this man, this good guy with great character, and to have it tarnished and dragged through the mud was pretty shitty,” he said.

“The toughest part of it was all of a sudden the news breaks and all of this stuff is written about it. It’s an uphill battle to rebuild your character with the people that didn’t believe you [but] I don’t need to prove anything to anyone else. For all of the bad that comes in your life, there’s some good on the other side.”

Before long hardship returned to Gotsis’ life, this time in the form of on-field troubles. March 2020 signals the moment Gotsis will hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent — meaning he can sign for any of the NFL’s 32 teams. A contract year can be make-or-break for NFL players as they look to entice teams into a bidding war for their services. A poor season can jeopardise those chances or more worryingly their prospects of remaining in the league.

Gotsis’ most important season to date certainly didn’t pan out how he had dreamed. After playing all 16 games across the previous three seasons, he was relegated to just nine in 2019 — largely in thanks to four weeks on the inactive list.

No. 99 was relieved of his playing duties in the lead up to the Week five clash with the L.A. Chargers. There was no explanation from Broncos head coach Vic Fangio, nor any mention of areas for improvement. The Aussie sought out answers, only to be kept in the dark. After a month in the cold, he was reluctantly recalled following an injury to fellow defensive end DeMarcus Walker.

Gotsis brooded as the topic of his inactivity arose. No longer was the affable colossus relaxed. His chest proud, arms locked, pressing firmly into his legs. Gotsis seemed like an animal penned in a cage for too long.

When quizzed about being disrespected, he replied sharply with disdain, “one-hundred percent I feel disrespected!"

As the trade deadline approached Gotsis was willing to be moved, however it never eventuated. Notwithstanding his sense of injustice, Gotsis is willing to return to Denver — so long as he is valued.

“Obviously I love being in Denver but if I’m not playing and I feel like I can go play somewhere, I want to go and play,” he said. “I’m with the team for this season and just as the team can get rid of me, I have to be ready too.”

More than anything, he wanted to prove Fangio and Defensive Coordinator Ed Donatell wrong after his benching. For five weeks it seemed as if Gotsis was on his way, then injury struck. On the third play of Denver’s Week 14 win over Houston, Gotsis tore his anterior cruciate ligament before bravely playing on. Scans later revealed it was a full tear of the left ACL — the same knee he injured in college. The setback is unlikely to affect his chances of being signed, with a return to full health likely to occur in pre-season.

Gotsis’ enforced absence did his statistics no favours. Unsurprisingly, 2019 saw career-lows across the board. He finished with 16 tackles, 1 tackle for loss and 0 sacks. Despite the regression, Gotsis believes his play goes far beyond the numbers.

Eight-time All-Pro teammate Von Miller agrees. The superstar’s life is made easier with Gotsis up front, opening up space for him to attack the quarterback.

“Especially in pass rush ‘cause he’s big, he’s strong and he’s able to move, so he creates a lot of problems for guys on the inside,” Miller exclusively told Patrick Djordjevic. “[When] we’re working together I usually come free.”

Despite making fun of his accent and hairline, Miller — like many of his teammates — loves Gotsis’ presence in the locker room. Uncertainty surrounds Gotsis' whereabouts next season but Miller, MVP of Super Bowl 50, believes the Aussie won’t be back in his homeland anytime soon.

When asked if Gotsis would be back in Denver this year, Miller paused.

“Ah, I think so, and if not, he’s gonna go to a team that can use him and have continued success. There’s not too many body styles like him, he’s going to be here (in the league) for a while.”

Few Australians have been able to withstand the cutthroat nature of a league referred to as ‘Not For Long.’ Many have tried and failed to make the grade -- think Jarryd Hayne, ex-Gold Coast Sun Joel Wilkinson and most recently, Valentine Holmes.

For any Aussie dreaming of a switch to the NFL, Gotsis has a warning; “if you’re going to come out, give it a fair whack.”

An unbreakable resolve is a non-negotiable and he suggests this may have contributed to some falling short.

“It kind of sucks when you hear them say it’s a dream of mine, this and that. Well it’s not a dream of yours if you’re going to try it for two weeks. When you say something like that, you should be committing to it for the long haul.”

The hard road is something Gotsis has undoubtedly invested in — both physically and financially. Over the course of 12 months, he spends $50,000 USD to preserve and sharpen his body. Massages, cupping, stretch sessions, joint alignment and intravenous (IV) infusion are all part of a year-round weekly routine. With time at the Broncos’ facility limited to meetings, practice and workouts, players often do “bodywork” on the outside. IV therapy is commonplace across the NFL and Gotsis will often start his Monday off with a pure saline or glutamine fluid to aid recovery before indulging again on Fridays.

According to Gotsis, there is no better investment than his body. It is his moneymaker and he is under no illusions someone of his size must take care of the vehicle used to batter offensive lineman.

“It’s a hefty buck, but your body is going to take you as far as you can go. if your body isn’t ready, you won’t be out there making plays. It’ll be a short career if you don’t take care of it.”

Despite tribulations both in his professional and personal life, Gotsis’ faith in God has always provided solace. Growing up in a tight-knit family of seven, faith was, and continues to be an ever-present part of his life.

“Through [the rape allegations] and the adversity I’ve gone through this season it’s always been a solid rock point and I’ve always been able to talk to and communicate with. I think without that, it makes a lot of things tougher and you know, it’s something that I hold pretty personal to myself and it gives me comfort.”

The arrival of his first child Illias on Tuesday has Gotsis, and partner, Riley beyond excited for life as parents. He is praying he can tackle the task of fatherhood as well as opposition running backs.

Whether Illias grows up in Colorado or elsewhere is still to be answered but there is no doubt his father will be ready to overcome any challenges which lie in his path.

The humble Aussie has endured more than most in his young life and if there is any truth to light being at the end of a tunnel, Gotsis’ 2020 will be a blinding success.

"He'll be the best punter in the country": Former Tiger Ben Griffiths is kicking goals

USC punt returner Tyler Vaughns stood ready to return a Ben Griffiths bomb during Spring practice. The California native had grown up returning punts for as long as he could remember. He was ready for what was to come - or so he thought.

As Griffiths booted a 70-yard (64m) punt, Vaughns stopped in his tracks and tilted his head toward the heavens as it sailed well over him. It couldn't happen again Vaughns told himself, and he was right. The next punt went even further, this time 75 yards (69m).

Onlookers were left stunned and for the first time they truly understood why USC had put its faith in a then-27-year-old retired AFL footballer.

"I've never seen a punter kick that high or that far," Vaughns said.

"I thought it was a fluke because I'd never seen no punter hit it 70 yards. The next one was like 75 and I said okay his leg is real strong."

There are few college students, let alone punters like Griffiths. The now-28-year old turned his back on a $400,000 one-year contract with Richmond Football Club to pursue his American dream. Despite what some think, Griffiths' main motive for choosing USC was to further his education.

In order be eligible for a scholarship Griffiths had to complete a year of study in Melbourne whilst training with Nathan Chapman and John Smith at Prokick Australia. USC's special teams coach John Baxter undertook a 17-hour flight to visit Griffiths before he signed on with the Trojans.

"The one thing we knew going in was, [he] had to be serious about wanting to be a student," Baxter said.

"We didn't want some mercenary that was coming here and just going to punt. This is a top 10 institution in this country and he legitimately wants to be a student."

Griffiths is now one year into a psychology degree and plans on becoming a teacher at the end of his degree. One would think the change from a full-time professional sportsman to a student-athlete would be difficult, but Griffiths has transitioned smoothly. Most weeks, football commitments take up over 30 hours, on top of full-time study and classes.

"In some ways it's more relaxed, school is an outlet from football and football becomes an outlet from school, they're both kind of good for each other," Griffiths said.

USC's main campus exists as a world of its own within downtown Los Angeles. One cannot help but feel energised around such youthful exuberance and Griffiths has fit in seamlessly. Often, he will be seen riding his scooter to and from campus, like many of his 48,500 peers.

Unlike most first-years, Griffiths lives alone and off campus. Given the 10-year age gap with most students, USC opted to put the ex-Tiger in an apartment 400 metres from the metropolis.

In order to keep up his 3.17 GPA, Griffiths will often study early in the morning or late in the evening once he arrives home from practice.

For most part, the freshman has found the rigours of college football and AFL similar. However, USC practice is a completely foreign event.

As the players walk out, R&B music blares through the speakers. Palm trees hover over the sideline as over 100 players take orders from the coaching staff.

As if that weren't enough, Spirit of Troy -- USC's marching band -- conduct band practice right next to the field. The frenetic atmosphere only enhances preparation for game day according to Griffiths.

"In many ways I find the game calmer and more settled than practice," he said, "it's hectic, you've got so many people around with so much noise, it's kind of deliberate in a way. I know Bax (coach Baxter) tries to make it [chaotic] so we're calm amongst the chaos."

After seeing Griffiths routinely punt in excess of 60-yards, expectation was high as the season began. The Aussie has been criticised at various stages this season but many have misunderstood his role.

"His skill level for punting the football is uncommon and his power is uncommon," Baxter said. "Starting back in spring we trained him to be a punter."

Griffiths' job isn't simply to kick the ball as far as possible. If that occurred, he would often out-kick the coverage, meaning the returner would have more room to run forward and gain further yardage.

There is far more strategy to the position. Similarly to a golfer, an elite punter must have numerous shots in their bag for varying situations.

"As the year has gone on, it's been more mastering the craft and I feel much more confident with where I'm placed now," Griffiths said.

"I haven't been doing too much different, it's more just been a product of the hard work I've been putting in and just getting game experience, which I think is really important."

"Dad" -- as he's known to teammates -- didn't claim any awards in his first full season but he has exceeded expectations despite USC's underwhelming 8-4 record.

Head Coach Clay Helton immediately lit up when asked about Griffiths, and without being prompted, added: "he will be the best punter in the country before it's all said and done."

Baxter went a step further when asked about his prospects of an NFL career down the line.

"It's definite. He will be a fantastic pro. He has the most power of any player I've ever seen at that position. Ever. This is my 38th college season. That means played for me or against me. He's got incredible personal traits of calmness, but he's also competitive and athletic," he said.

His athletic and personal gifts were harnessed during his eight-year career at Richmond, and after leaving the club while at the peak of its powers one may expect some regret on Griffiths' part.

The reality is polar opposite. On the day of the AFL Grand Final (Friday night in the state of Washington) before USC took on the Huskies, Griffiths sat nervously in his hotel room with long snapper Damon Johnson, watching the Tigers battle the Giants. Nerves permeated through the hotel room before Griffiths' anxiety was allayed as Richmond went on to dominate the match.

"I was just excited for them! I knew I was probably giving up the chance to play in another Grand Final but I was really confident in my decision and it was something I had to do," Griffiths said.

"There's always going to be part of me that wishes I played in a Grand Final, that's just part of sport but I accept that and I love my [Richmond] teammates. I sit back and think how cool was it that I got to play with these guys. My time there was unbelievable, I'll never forget it, it's pretty much shaped who I am."

Off the gridiron Griffiths tries to escape the USC bubble by playing Call of Duty or jamming out with his acoustic guitar, often to When the Sun Goes Down by Arctic Monkeys.

Despite his age, the sun is far from setting on Griffiths' professional sporting career. He harbours ambitions of playing in the NFL, but not at the expense of his degree.

"For me it's all about the degree, I'm pretty firm in my plan that I want to graduate before I have an attempt at the professional league, so I'd probably knock it back [if the opportunity arose earlier]."

Australia's Heather Marini is blazing a college football trail

Heather Marini was told she couldn't be here. The football sideline was a place for coaching staff. This could not possibly be a place for a woman -- or so the referee thought. Ordered to step away from the sideline, Marini was emphatically told "You are not a coach." Yet, she was and didn't shy away from letting the ref know.

"I turned to him and said I've been coaching for many years, you can't make that assumption," Marini said. This was several years ago when Marini coached for the Monash Warriors, a team in southeast Melbourne, Australia.

Fast-forward to 2019, and the 30-year-old Australian from Stanhope -- a rural town 197 km north of Melbourne -- is the only female coach in Division I college football.

Marini was installed as the offensive quality control coach at Brown University in May 2019, making her the first female football coach in the Ivy League school's history.

Amidst the pouring rain in Stanford -- 60 km from San Francisco, there is a sense of pride in Marini's voice as she discusses her journey. However, there is a noticeable determination for her story to continue. Her sense of accomplishment is dulled by a burning desire to achieve more. It would be plausible to say Marini is a woman thriving in a man's world; but the history-maker disagrees.

"I wouldn't go that far," she said with a laugh. "That's a bit too headliney for me. Football is football no matter where you're from, or what gender you are. Once you cross that white line everything is the same."

If it weren't for her now-husband Kieren, Marini never would have stood on any sideline, in Australia or indeed at Brown. Kieren, an offensive lineman for the Monash Warriors, begged his then-girlfriend to attend a game. Marini knew virtually nothing about the sport, but made the two-and-a-half-hour drive from Stanhope regardless. Her jeans, ballet flats and cardigan were by no means suitable for a cold, wet, five-and-a-half-hour game on the gridiron.

"To this day I've never seen a longer game in my life," Marini recalled with a smile. "I was freezing to death! I said to him 'I love you and all, but I'm never coming to this silly sport ever again.'"

Marini was true to her word ... for a week. Then she made herself useful, helping out with strapping due to a lack of staff and resources. This led to a sports trainer job in the 2008 season but, at that point, there was still no interest in the sport itself.

It was only when she transitioned to strength and conditioning coach in 2009 that Marini's world changed forever.

"That was when I really got into it. My husband and I did our coaching course together. I thought if I'm going to be the strength [coach], I may as well learn more about this silly sport."

Before long the sport became her second love. An internship at Oregon State in 2010 heightened Marini's infatuation with America's game.

On her daily walk to the performance centre, Marini would pass some of the best sporting facilities on the West Coast. Oregon State has both an indoor and two outdoor football fields, to go along with the Valley Football Center, which houses a locker room, meeting rooms, a players' lounge, media room and a barbershop.

"I remember looking up and thinking this is incredible! How is this a thing? In Australia, even in the professional scale, we don't have anything like it. It was an amazing thing to be a part of."

Returning from America, Marini found herself in charge of the U/19 Warriors and managed to combine her love of netball whilst coaching the team, whose roster included current Denver Bronco Adam Gotsis.

Despite mostly positive experiences at the Warriors, she admits there were periods of resistance. These included exchanges in which "friends" of Marini's would question her involvement in a male-dominated world. Their reasoning? A desire for a female-free environment.

"I've had people say to me 'I've come to football to get away from my wife,' or 'Why can't we have a place we can get away from women?' Part of me is like 'Well, you've got to work on your relationship!'"

Despite the obstacles, Marini remained determined to follow her dreams of working in American football. Once she met Samantha Rapoport, the NFL senior director for diversity and inclusion, at the NFL Women's Careers in Football Forum, doors began to open.

The annual forum, which began in 2017, aims to provide an opportunity for women to network and interact with college football and NFL coaches.

Marini left the inaugural forum with contacts, but ultimately without a job or any sign of one.

She was unemployed in San Francisco for six months, living off a one-person income with her husband, Kieren. Life was tough and complications with her visa meant Marini could not work in any capacity. There were days where she hated football but she remained persistent. Despite flying across the country on her own accord to meet with coaches, she could not land anything concrete.

That was until Rapoport put her name forward as a summer scouting specialist for the New York Jets. Tasked with scouting opposition players in preseason, Marini found herself at the Jets' facility for 80-100 hours a week, for the entire preseason.

At the end of the preseason, James Perry, Brown University's head coach, encouraged her to apply for a coaching position at Brown. She was warned about the level of sacrifice and difficulties surrounding the role; so too that she would be overworked and underpaid.

"There was no way I could turn it down," Marini said.

There are perks to the role -- an office, Nike merchandise and working at one of the most prestigious universities in the world. Yet, the brutal realities are apparent. During football season there are no days off, with Friday mornings and Sunday mornings -- reserved for church -- the only reprieve.

 Twelve-hour days are the norm. A lighter week would be considered a 60-hour workload, but it's no different from life back home.

 "It's crazy in-season but to me when I was working two jobs, studying and going to football practice after work, it's no different except it's all in one place now."

Despite creating history, Marini understands this is only the start if she is to go on and realise all her dreams. There are challenges along the way, including an internal battle between self-expression and blending in.

She has started to wear makeup and pearls on game days but won't go as far as to paint her fingernails pink, for fear of negative perception. Despite her rural upbringing, Marini has always preferred heels to gumboots.

She would help out on the farm, herding sheep one of her jobs, but she has always enjoyed some glamour. So much so, that she competed in a Miss Earth pageant during her first year of university. Marini harbours concerns as to the perception that might create, but ultimately hopes there can be a separation between one's personal interests and the X's and O's of football.

"Eventually I want it to get to a point where it's so normalised to have a woman in the office, that it is actually OK to do whatever I want to do. There was a time when teachers and doctors were all men. Now we're used to them also being women and so it's another evolution in that social process."

As for wanting to be the first female college football head coach?

"Do I have to? I wouldn't mind being the second or third," she said. "It would be great if someone could iron out the wrinkles before I get there!"

Irrespective of the future, Marini has demonstrated that no matter one's accent or gender, there is room in America's game for those who dare to tackle uncharted territory.

How the 49ers' Mitch Wishnowsky punted his Sunday night blues

Mitch Wishnowsky used to hate Sunday nights. For some they signal the start of a new week, but for the 49ers punter -- who left behind his life as a glazier in Western Australia to chase his dream of becoming an NFL punter -- they marked the beginning of the end.

"Every Sunday night, I would dread going to work. I was like 'S---, another five days until I can actually enjoy my life!' I didn't enjoy my job and I didn't love Sunday nights," Wishnowsky tells Patrick Djordjevic.

Things have changed quickly for the 27-year-old and so have his Sunday night routines. Last weekend Wishnowsky played an important role in San Francisco's 37-8 demolition of the Green Bay Packers. Yet you wouldn't know it by his body language.

With San Francisco up 23-0 in the third quarter, Wishnowsky took the field to punt the ball from his own end zone. His 51-yard strike was returned for negative yardage, and while his special-teams colleagues celebrated wildly downfield, the Aussie walked off without fanfare. There was no fist pump, and there was certainly no swagger. He simply strolled off as if nothing had happened.

His reason for doing so? "Well the benches are heated," he says with a laugh. "It's basically just get out onto the field and get back onto the bench!"

Wishnowsky is a humble man in a world where self-aggrandizement is the norm. In the wake of the victory over the Packers, Wishnowsky's teammate Richard Sherman was asked if it bothered him that his hair covered the name on his jersey. Within a flash he replied, "I think they know my name by now!"

Despite their differences, Wishnowsky and Sherman are both deep thinkers and have bonded over those tendencies.

"It's really cool to have somebody with just a different way of speaking, a different way of approaching life and seeing things," Sherman says. "He's such a cool, down-to-earth guy, I haven't seen him have a bad game yet."

When asked what slang he had taken from Wishnowsky, Sherman quipped, "Nothing other than 'my mates' -- obviously that's clichéd but that's the only bit. Especially when I'm talking to Mitch, I'll say 'What up, mate?'"

Wishnowsky's journey toward a punting career began in inconspicuous fashion after he was spotted by Curtin Saints gridiron coach Craig Wilson. He was convinced to play wide receiver for the local side while also dabbling in punts. He had punted in only two or three games before he received a phone call that would forever change his life.

During a late-night fishing expedition in 2013, Wishnowsky was relaxing -- until his phone rang. It was John Smith, head kicking coach at Prokick Australia. Smith had received Wishnowsky's details from Wilson.

"It would've been 10 p.m., so 11 p.m. in Melbourne. I answered the phone and he said, 'Mate, Johnny Smith [here] -- are you done f---ing about in Bali?'"

Wishnowsky had recently contracted dengue fever on a trip to Bali, leaving him unable to play contact sport for several weeks.

"It was the first time I'd ever spoken to him! I was like 'Sorry, who's this?' He said, 'John Smith, Prokick Australia, if you let me, I'll change your life.'"

"I said, 'Um all right' -- he was almost yelling at me to move to Melbourne and [said] 'We'll send you to America.'"

Smith and colleague Nathan Chapman made good on their promise, sending Wishnowsky on to Santa Barbara City College and Utah before his arrival at Levi's Stadium.

Despite being taken in the fourth round in the 2019 draft -- 110th overall, the highest-drafted punter in seven years -- Wishnowsky remains relatively anonymous in the Bay Area. He lives with his fiancée, Maddy Leiphardt, in San Jose, just 12 km from Levi's Stadium.

A life without constant recognition suits the Prokick product, who prefers to "put the feet up," play video games and relax with his partner. Sampling the high life like many of his teammates is simply not his style.

The former Utah punter signed a four-year, $3.28 million contract in May but still likes to enjoy a humble existence. He drives a Jeep Cherokee and has even found a solution to the lack of quality coffee, an issue plaguing many Australians across the Pacific.

"The trick is get a triple espresso on ice and add the [free] milk," he says. "A triple iced latte will cost you six bucks, but this costs $2.70."

Within the season it is difficult to have downtime, with Tuesdays the only day off for the 10-1 49ers. Wishnowsky's typical Tuesday involves either playing FIFA on his PS4 or a game of volleyball with Leiphardt.

He has always held a competitive streak -- he represented Western Australia in soccer during his youth and also took out a major state billiards tournament aged 12.

While the pair use an imaginary net for their volleyball duels, Wishnowsky insists upon a scoring system. "What's the point of playing if we don't keep score? It gets quite competitive, there's plenty of trash talk," he says.

Those close to Wishnowsky rave about his hardworking nature but say he's always looking to have fun and play games when the opportunity arises.

Hazing is a rite of passage most NFL rookies endure, but Wishnowsky has luckily escaped the bad haircuts, carrying of veterans' bags and paying for exorbitant dinners. But the initiation song -- where first-year players are required to stand up and sing on the bus to the airport for their first away game -- was one he could not avoid. However, Wishnowsky had a plan -- to pick a song where he wouldn't be singing on his own for long. His choice? None other than "Hero" by Enrique Iglesias. According to Leiphardt, Wishnowsky possesses "brilliant" vocal cords and his teammates seemed to agree, joining in until the song's end.

On the field, Wishnowsky has also made an impact. He has averaged just 3.27 punts this season (ranked 27th in the NFL), but his importance hasn't been lost on quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

"Mitch is awesome, he really is. He's so different from all of the punters I've met in the past -- just the mentality he brings to the game," Garoppolo says.

"I mean at kickoffs, you can tell he's itching to get a hit in there! He wants to, but the coaches try and lean him away from that. He's an awesome dude in the locker room too, which makes it even better."

Despite his relaxed nature, Wishnowsky admits he felt the weight of his draft number in the preseason. Since then, he has dealt with it and thrived. Nerves are unavoidable every time he steps onto the field, but the anxiety doesn't originate from a place of doubt, rather a burning desire to help his team.

The mental side of performing is pivotal to Wishnowsky's success and he will often be found in the "brain room" at the 49ers' performance facility, a place where athletes try to train their brain to relax and better handle any anxiety. There, Wishnowsky will watch Netflix while hooked up to sensors that monitor his theta and beta brainwaves. Theta signals are higher in meditative states, whereas beta signals are more prevalent during times of alertness or high anxiety.

"When your beta goes too high and your theta gets too low, Netflix will stop and you have to get them back to a good level," he says. "You're almost subconsciously training yourself because every second it stops, it'll glitch. So your brain is going 'OK, if I want to watch Netflix I need to learn to keep my beta low and theta high.'"

Wishnowsky's beta signals will spike come Sunday as he and the 49ers face off against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in a potential preview of Super Bowl LIV.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan praised Wishnowsky ahead of the team's biggest game of the season, citing his skill set as crucial to victory on the East Coast.

"Oh, Mitch has been huge, I mean that's why we spent a high draft pick on him to get him here," Shanahan said.

"He's been exactly what we've hoped for, if not better, and he's getting better as the year goes. He'll be a big one [factor] here this Sunday 'cause going against a running team like this, field position is a big deal. The better teams you play, the better your special teams better be."

Irrespective of the result, Wishnowsky will indulge in his post-match ritual of "putting the feet up" and having "a couple of cold ones." However, once the playoffs arrive, he is willing to put the Corona Lights on ice in exchange for a shot at ultimate success in Miami come Feb. 3.