All Blacks star Dan Carter reveals NFL approach from New England Patriots
Dan Carter has won nearly all there is to win in rugby with an unrivalled CV in rugby that includes two World Cups, three World Player of the Year awards and four Super Rugby championships.
Yet he came very close to adding another rare accolade to that list from a different sport entirely after being approached by NFL Super Bowl champions the New England Patriots.
The New Zealand maestro has revealed he was tempted to quit rugby for American Football after being approached by the franchise during a sabbatical in 2013.
Yet Carter was suffering from an achilles injury at the time of the Patriots' approach so was unable to try out for the sport.
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In an extract from his new autobiography published in the Telegraph, Carter wrote:
"I was with a friend, Luke Lloyd Davies. He is a sports agent and knew I was a fan of the NFL, so he had arranged for the pair of us to tour the New England Patriots' facilities.
"We walked into reception where they welcomed us by name, as if we were arriving for an appointment. The next thing I knew, a couple of scouts came out, and asked, 'Where are your boots?' They thought I was there to try out for the team!
"If I'm honest, my interest was piqued a little. I don't think any competitive athlete could walk into an environment like that, be received in that way, and not feel a desire to rise to the challenge.
"I ended up sitting with the head of special teams, who works with kickers and other specialists, and watching tape of elite place-kickers for a couple of hours, while he talked me through their technique. I've worked with some incredible kicking coaches over the years but we had never gone into anything like this level of precision.
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"Even though I was contracted to the end of 2015, they seemed willing to wait. He gave me a timeline for receiving the tape, trying out, and team selection. I walked away with my head spinning."
He later reveals that Patriots owner Robert Kraft followed up with an approach at the Oscars, yet Carter instead plumped for a move to France and Racing Metro '92, with whom he has signed a three-year deal that makes him the best-paid player in rugby.
According to numerous reports, NFL scouts were present at the Rugby World Cup in a bid to spot potential crossover talent.
NFL UK ambassador Osi Umenyiora claimed that two players will be offered contracts, yet their identity remains secret.
Australian rugby league star Jarryd Hayne has successfully made the switch to the San Francisco 49ers this season.