Source :- THE AGE NEWS
Matt Burton is open to a punting career in the NFL – and a monster 62-metre kick at Canterbury training is sure to catch the eye of scouts looking to unearth the next Australian super-boot following Michael Dickson’s Super Bowl success.
Around the same time Sydney-raised punter Dickson was playing a key role in the Seattle Seahawks’ victory over New England in the NFL showpiece on Monday, the Bulldogs filmed Burton booting a gridiron ball off a tee and through the posts from long range during training at Belmore.
He turns around, fist-pumps, and tells teammates, “Not bad”. The footage had nearly 3 million views on the Dogs’ social media platforms by Tuesday lunchtime.
The record for the longest made field goal in the NFL is 68 yards – or 62.2m – set last year by Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Cam Little.
Burton has spoken in the past about trying his luck in the NFL, and his manager, David Riolo, said on Tuesday the 25-year-old was genuine about exploring a career change in the US.
Burton will only be 27 when he comes off contract with the Bulldogs at the end of next year.
He is earning around $800,000 a season. Two of the best-paid kickers in the NFL, Kansas City’s Harrison Butker and the Philadelphia Eagles’ Jake Elliott, are 30 and 31 respectively and earn around $8.5 million a year.
“There’s already been some interest from NFL scouts – it’s something he wants to look at down the track, for sure,” Riolo said.
“He’s off contract with the Dogs at the end of next year. I don’t know if he finishes his rugby league journey there, but he will not close the door on an opportunity if it arose in the NFL. He’s got time on his side. And he likes the game and likes kicking the footy.”
Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton watched Burton’s long-range bomb from the sidelines. “He’s done that before,” Crichton said. “I know how big his boot is. I’ve never seen anyone kick it bigger than ‘Burto’. He’s a bit like a cheat code when you’re playing games – he gets you out of trouble.”
Worth a punt? Matt Burton.Credit: Getty Images
Colin Scotts, one of the first Australians to feature in the NFL, urged Burton to pursue the American game now – and upload fresh footage of him kicking the ball with someone holding it.
After viewing footage of Burton’s kick, Scotts said: “That’s unbelievable. A tee helps you kick the ball further, and the next test would be getting someone to hold the ball and kicking it off the ground. I’d love to see what he’s got.
“At the end of the season, he should talk to Gridiron Australia, or even Prokick in Victoria, which would give him a straight avenue to the NFL and all their scouts.
“Scouts are always looking for long-distance kickers, just as they are with punters. And everyone is talking about our [Australians’] kicking ability – you need to go now when we’re hot.”
Bulldogs fans love Burton’s torpedo bombs, with one soaring nearly 34m high during a game against Parramatta in 2024. Coach Cameron Ciraldo knows Burton’s torpedos trouble fullbacks, but has also acknowledged in the past how mis-timed kicks – which are common when it comes to the torpedo or spiral bomb – mean the Dogs defend a set further up field.
