Australian punter Michael Dickson signs mammoth new contract with Seattle Seahawks

An Australian being the highest-paid player in his position in the NFL would seem hard to believe, but Michael Dickson is that man.

His coach described him as a “weapon” and NFL punter Michael Dickson has elevated himself among Australia’s highest-earning sportspeople after signing a monster $25m contract extension, declaring he’s “only half way” into his career.

Dickson, 29, already the highest paid punter in the NFL, cemented that position with a new four-year-deal worth $25m, including nearly $16m guaranteed.

Michael Dickson is the highest-paid punter in the NFL. Picture: Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Seven years into his career, Dickson, who eyed off an AFL career before taking up punting, is adamant there’s much more to come.

“It’s crazy, because I still feel like I just came through the doors here the other day,” he said.

“But when you think back and think about every season and every different teammate you’ve had and all the memories you’ve created along the way, it has been quite a long time. But I don’t even feel like I’m halfway yet, it’s going to be a long career.”

Dickson had a year left on his previous deal and is now signed through the 2029 season, earning huge plaudits from Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald.

“Dicko is a premier punter in the league, so hopefully we showed that with the numbers involved,” he said.

He has signed a $25m deal. Picture: AP Photo/Ben VanHouten, File

“But he’s a weapon for us. The stats show it. The film shows it. He’s got a great attitude about him, great personality. Guys love him. Yeah, really excited to have him here for the long haul.”

Dickson earnt first-team All-Pro and Pro-Bowl honours as a rookie and has established himself as one of the league’s best punters over the past seven seasons.

His deal is a tad short of fellow Aussie Jordan Mailata’s $100m contract with the Philadelphia Eagles but puts Dickson in rare air for punters.

“It’s meant a lot,” Dickson said after signing on Tuesday morning.

“You see a lot of people come through the building, and I’ve just been super grateful since my first year here just to wear this logo and to play in the NFL.

“So I’ve really made it a point of mine to give it everything I can in every aspect of my life, whether it’s food, sleep, hydration, training, looking after my body, trying to do everything I can to make sure my mind is on point for this game, the next game and for as long as I can go.

“I really want to get the most out of my ability and my time here, and I never want to take it for granted at all.”

Originally published as Australian punter Michael Dickson signs mammoth new contract with Seattle Seahawks