The culture of American football often demands that those who play it divorce themselves from emotion, or at the very least keep their feelings tucked away for the sake of the team and game.
There’s something refreshing and humanizing every time a player or coach allows themselves to be emotional and share that side of themselves with fans and audiences. This is especially true in college football, where we can do well to be reminded that these are, ultimately, just kids.
Nebraska freshman Archie Wilson broke down in tears Tuesday when a reporter asked the Australian punter what it’s been like to be so far away from his family.
“That part is hard, I mean … I’m sorry,” the 19-year-old said before putting his head down to cry and then composing himself.
“Yeah, I love them a lot,” he continued. “I have two little brothers and a mom and a dad, and that’s the tough part about being here. I love them a lot and I miss them. But they know this is what’s best for me and it’s good I can still talk to them plenty over the phone. They’re coming here to see the first few games, so I am looking forward to that.”
The 6-foot-2 punter committed to play for Nebraska from Frankston South, Victoria, where he played Australian Rules football for Haileybury College. According to the school’s website, Wilson was a product of Prokick Australia, which has produced eight Ray Guy Award winners and had 29 punters awarded NFL or CFL contracts.
The Huskers opened the season on August 28 against Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium.
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.