$41m NFL punting duel proves Aussies are here to take over

Australia often bats above its average in international sports and for proof, look no further than the NFL clash between the 49ers and Seahawks.

Michael Dickson and Mitch Wishnowsky. Photo: Getty Images and Twitter

There are few things as great in the sporting world than Aussies going to the United States and doing it as well — or better — than the Americans.

On Monday AEST, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Seattle Seahawks 27-7 in a clash that saw Aussie punting stars Mitch Wishnowsky and Michael Dickson play for their respective teams.

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And thanks to a recent four-year extension for Wishnowsky in San Francisco, the duo are two of the highest paid Aussies to play in the NFL’s history.

Wishnowsky signed a four-year extension worth $US13 million ($A19.3m) over the weekend while Dickson is in the second year of a four-year extension of his own, worth about $US14.7m ($A22m).

Dickson is reportedly the highest paid punter in the league, while Wishnowsky’s new deal sees him move to seventh or eighth ranked and inside the top five paid Aussie players of all-time.

Wishnowsky has joined the big time. Peter Aiken/Getty Images/AFP

That leg is worth a pretty penny. Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

While the pair pale in comparison to Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Mailata’s up to $US80m ($A119m) deal, it’s still nothing to sneeze at.

Dickson and Wishnowsky caught up before the game and had a quick catch up.

Aussie punter convention! Seattle’s Michael Dickson is the game’s highest-paid punter and the 49ers’ Mitch Wishnowsky is fresh off signing a new contract that puts him around #7 or #8 pic.twitter.com/pW4jemnFao

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 18, 2022

While Wishnowsky’s went from one of the lowest paid punters in the league on his rookie deal, he’s earned his spot on the 49ers roster.

Even against the Seahawks, Wishnowsky was praised after turning poor snaps into gold for his team.

That’s why you pay Mitch Wishnowsky

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 18, 2022

Mitch Wishnowsky earning that contract

— Kyle Madson (@KyleAMadson) September 18, 2022

Mitch Wishnowsky earning that contract extension with his catch of a high snap, then planting a 44-yard punt at the SEA 8-yard line.

— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 18, 2022

He became the first Aussie to score a point in the NFL when he kicked a field goal against the Seattle Seahawks last October after the regular San Francisco kicker suffered an injury during the warm up.

Wishnowsky also played in the 2020 Super Bowl, when his 49ers lost 31-20 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

He has also played in every match since his NFL debut and has become a dead-eye at pinning sides inside the 20-yard line with 74 of his 179 punts in the NFL inside the 20.

Although he averages just 45 yards per punt in his 51 NFL games, the 49ers have also been a success story in recent years, meaning he’s likely not had to punt as far.

Dickson was an instant success in coming into the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in his first season and has averaged 48 yards per punt with 135 of his kicks inside the 20 in 303 punts over his 67 games.

Michael Dickson in action. Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images

Despite the win for the 49ers, San Francisco quarterback Trey Lance suffered a season-ending broken right ankle on the second drive of the game.

Former 49ers starter Jimmy Garoppolo, now backup to Lance, took over his old job and threw for 154 yards and a touchdown, also scoring on a one-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.

And for the record, Mailata’s Eagles play on Tuesday (Australian time).

There are seven Aussies on an NFL roster this season, including Dickson, Wishnowsky, Mailata, Eagles punter Arryn Siposs, Houston Texans punter Cam Johnston, Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Daniel Faalele and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Adam Gotsis.

With AFP

Originally published as $41m NFL punting duel proves Aussies are here to take over