Jonah was the man back in the day. In rugby we'd never had anyone that big and fast, it was unheard of. Today things are different, rugby players are getting bigger and faster, but back in 99', there was nobody playing international rugby that was near this guy.
I remember a couple of NFL coaches were interviewed by New Zealand TV back when he was being offered contracts by various NFL clubs. Jerry Jones said in all his years of coaching, he'd never seen an athlete like Jonah before. So thats coming from a top NFL coach, and you can imagine he'd have seen some great athletes in his time. Im sure Jonah would have been a success in the NFL, as he was a success in rugby. The only thing that stopped him from joining the Dallas Cowboys was the dream of winning the World Cup for New Zealand.
The sad thing was, Jonah was never 100% fit, his kidney problems just destroyed him physically. I think most of the rugby world was really hoping for him to do well in his comeback, but the game has moved on, and Jonah isnt the same player he once was.
To be honest, Im just glad the guy is now healthy, he's such a good down to earth, honest bloke, and deserves the praise he gets from the rugby world.
|
Thread: Jonah Lomu vs. the NFL
-
10-12-2006, 02:07 AM #91
-
10-12-2006, 02:27 AM #92
-
-
10-12-2006, 02:33 AM #93
-
10-12-2006, 02:36 AM #94
You're all missing an important fact.
LOMU TRAINED FOR RUGBY
Lomu had those stats training for ENDURANCE and speed. Get him to the US and their training style would add power and size, there's no need for endurance. His stats would be way better than his rugby training stats.
I've played both sports. I love both sports. These arguments are funny because noone ever considers the whole story.
-
10-12-2006, 02:39 AM #95
-
10-12-2006, 02:53 AM #96
NO ONE HAS ANYTHING ON SONNY BILL WILLIAMS!
HAHA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyGAVKacvCA&eurl=
Ok, I am just joking. This is rugby league (NOT RUGBY UNION THAT LOMU PLAYS).
For his size this guy is so strong."I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours." - Stephen Roberts
-
-
10-12-2006, 02:57 AM #97
-
10-12-2006, 04:43 AM #98
- Join Date: Apr 2005
- Location: Colorado, United States
- Age: 42
- Posts: 390
- Rep Power: 311
Well if he was no good why did they scout him for the NFL? With the massive production line of US players why would they even take a second look at someone who has never played unless they were an exceptional athlete? The same thing is happening now with Willie Mason, he has 3 or 4 teams wanting him to come over. The chances for a succesfull conversion from either sport are slim, I have no doubts Lomu would have struggled at first just like an NFL player would struggle with the NRL. My two cents.....
-
10-12-2006, 04:56 AM #99
this guy sounds average. also sounds like a guy who rejected a contract from the cowboys because he wouldnt pass a physical. who would turn down millions?
anyway you guys wanna freak just google Bo Jackson. enough said
edit: Bo at 6'1", 222 lbs., allegedly ran a 4.12 40 yard dash at the 1986 NFL combine, as reported in the February 27, 1986, USA Today. This was one of the fastest NFL 40 times ever,
-
10-12-2006, 05:22 AM #100
-
-
10-12-2006, 05:28 AM #101
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD1_p...related&search
supports above statement.
-
10-12-2006, 05:34 AM #102
lol this argument is gettin old
Rugby = Endurance, Allround Skilled sport. Tackles and hits have to be well timed n not so much full on at risk of injuring yourself. Can be painful as hell in general gameplay. The rare athletic freak
Gridiron = Anaerobic based, Specific Skills. Tacklers can take more risks with tackling due to pads, big hits are very common. Athletic Freaks a plenty. Can be very painful!
No point comparing jonahs stats.
With 6 months of NFL training he would lose alot of endurance, and the effects could be beneficial or detrimental. He could gain too much weight n not be as fast as he was OR he could improve his speed while maintaining weight. Too many options
I love both sports, im not biased. Now lets all go watch the football
-
10-12-2006, 07:05 AM #103
-
10-12-2006, 08:59 AM #104
-
-
10-12-2006, 09:04 AM #105Originally Posted by Maverick77
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ForBnj82llAWhat the **** are you waiting for?! Christmas on a cracker?!
That reminds me, where are my crackers?! I SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR CRACKERS!!
-
10-12-2006, 12:41 PM #106Originally Posted by Damage6182
For example...Jai Lewis from George Mason's hoops team last year....hadn't played football since high school, and I believe he got signed by the Giants. Just an example.
-
10-12-2006, 12:51 PM #107
-
10-12-2006, 01:02 PM #108
jonah has said publically that he didnt go to NFL because his love and rugby and that he wanted to give back to new zealand and the all blacks because they gave him so much. the truth is he made more in NZ then he would of in NFL because of all the publicity. HE was the the most popular rugby player at the time and people loved him.
getting scouted in NFL team when u never played football is pretty impressive football players couldnt just get scouted over to rugby they wouldnt know how to tackle constantly in 1 on 1 situations (they used to everyone close together and group tackles and group hugging in football) or kick or pass or think for themselves (no coach or quarterback to tell them waht to do) and would take them ages to learn about rucks and mauls and lineouts.
-
-
10-12-2006, 01:04 PM #109
-
10-12-2006, 01:06 PM #110
-
10-12-2006, 01:06 PM #111
-
10-12-2006, 01:10 PM #112Originally Posted by IrishLuck
its a pity he doesnt get more game time and his journey ends now as he doesnt get a super14 francise contract unless aussie offer him one
-
-
10-12-2006, 01:12 PM #113Originally Posted by IrishLuck
but **** debating this issue u watch what u want, i will watch 80minutes of rugby action while u watch 3 hours of adverts and group hugging
-
10-12-2006, 01:15 PM #114Originally Posted by IrishLuck
On the topic of the Cowboys courting of Lomu. It's important to realize how notoriously closed-minded NFL and NCAA coaches are, so them showing interest in an athlete outside of their system is quite significant. AND, they didn't just say "oh hey, we'll let you stop by training camp", they offered him a contract straight out. That's unheard for an unknown (in America) prospect.Last edited by J11STIN; 10-12-2006 at 01:24 PM.
What the **** are you waiting for?! Christmas on a cracker?!
That reminds me, where are my crackers?! I SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR CRACKERS!!
-
10-12-2006, 01:16 PM #115Originally Posted by IrishLuck
Last edited by J11STIN; 10-12-2006 at 01:22 PM.
What the **** are you waiting for?! Christmas on a cracker?!
That reminds me, where are my crackers?! I SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR CRACKERS!!
-
10-12-2006, 01:34 PM #116Originally Posted by wow strong me
I’m not paying any respect to someone that I haven’t seen play. I don’t care for rugby. I don’t “disrespect” him, but I also don’t respect him.
He’s battled kidney disease? Great. My Grandma and Aunt are fighting cancer and will lose the battle in a matter of months.
Originally Posted by wow strong me
Originally Posted by J11STIN
It’s not unheard of to get offered a contract straight out. Jai Lewis….like I mentioned before….was a basketball player….and he was offered a contract because of the way he played hoops.
Originally Posted by J11STIN
-
-
10-12-2006, 01:41 PM #117Originally Posted by FiLL
vernon davis
Position: TE
Height: 6-3
Weight: 253
Born: 01/31/1984
40 Speed: 4.40*
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/undera..._in_Motion.jpg
http://www.rethinkpink.com/Images/intro.jpg
http://images.google.com/images?q=tb...9/19617775.jpg
I noticed alot of rugby players lack upper body build, they have nice legs though. Kind of reminds me of soccer players.Shut up and Squat!
Living with ALS or dying because of it. ama
-
10-12-2006, 01:43 PM #118
-
10-12-2006, 01:44 PM #119
-
10-12-2006, 01:46 PM #120
Bookmarks