Aussie rookie’s monstrous hit goes viral
HE might be listed as a kick-off specialist for the San Francisco 49ers, but Aussie Mitch Wishnowsky showed off his Aussie rules roots on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old rookie was drafted by the 49ers and showed he's more than just a kicker during the third quarter of their pre-season clash against the Denver Broncos.
After the 49ers extended their lead to 17-9, Wishnowsky's kick off landed in the arms of Broncos Devontae Jackson who set off down the middle of the field.
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Kickers in the NFL aren't known for laying out opponents, but Jackson found out Wishnowsky is no ordinary kicker.
Jackson was crushed into the turf by Wishnowsky with the big body Aussie driving him backwards and flattening him out.
This is not the kicker you want to mess with 🙅♂️
— ESPN (@espn) August 20, 2019
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/burfoOATeW
"The rookie punter and kick-off specialist with a special teams tackle. By the way he's 6-2 (187cm) and 220 (99kg) and 27-year-old rookie," commentators said
"That's what happens when you're a former Aussie Rules football player. He doesn't have a problem coming in on a 5-7 (170cm), 170 (77kg) return man."
The efforts not only drew the praise of his teammates but his immense tackle sent social media wild.
This dude just blew somebody up inside the damn 25... Deciding to commit to covering a kick is a pretty savage decision I think..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 20, 2019
I used to wait back, let the traffic clear.. he dove right the fock in.
So much respect to @mitchwish
🗣✊🏻
Outstanding stuff #ForTheBrand https://t.co/pzAxPMhr1g
Wishnowsky was born in Western Australia and gave up footy at 18 before he moved to Melbourne and joined Prokick, a training centre that converts Aussies into NFL punters.
After one year he earned a scholarship with the University of Utah where in his first season in 2016 he won the Ray Guy Award. An award presented to college football's most outstanding punter.
He remained at Utah for three seasons before he was selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the 49ers. He signed a four-year contract with the team in April.
The 49ers secured the 24-15 victory against the Broncos, giving them their second straight win in the pre-season.
Their regular season kicks off on Monday, September 9 when they travel into Tampa Bay for a clash against the Buccaneers.
Mitch Wishnowsky just killed a guy. #Utes pic.twitter.com/p5kLDUePe5
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) August 20, 2019
#49ers P Mitch Wishnowsky bringing out the Aussie Rules football player on that hit.
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) August 20, 2019
🗣️THAT'S WHY YOU SELECT MITCH WISHNOWSKY IN THE FOURTH ROUND!!!!
— Keiana Martin (@KeianaMartinTV) August 20, 2019
Mitch Wishnowsky has seven inches and nearly 50 pounds on that poor return guy! https://t.co/fu367XLisR
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) August 20, 2019
Mitch Wishnowsky will push Tarvarius Moore for the 49ers FS job by Week 3
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) August 20, 2019
Mitch Wishnowsky was not happy about his 4th kick off not being a touchback so he tackled the returner himself. A penalty puts the ball back at the 9 yard line. https://t.co/ypSiyp2yOM
— Jennifer Lee Chan (@jenniferleechan) August 20, 2019
