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‘Greatest punt ever’: America wowed by Aussie NFL star Michael Dickson’s rare play

Former AFL player turned NFL punter Michael Dickson has wowed American football fans with a miraculous play.

America wowed by Aussie NFL star Michael Dickson’s rare play

Aussie NFL star Michael Dickson has dusted off his AFL skills to pull off a play that left American football fans stunned.

In the third quarter of the Seattle Seahawks’ clash with the Los Angeles Rams, Dickson pulled off a rare double punt that prevented what would have been a crucial momentum swing.

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The Seahawks were down nine points when Dickson’s punt was blocked by Rams outside linebacker Jamir Jones.

Undeterred, the Aussie was first to the loose ball, which he picked up on the run one-handed before punting again. This time, he managed to boot the ball 68 yards (62 metres) to the Rams’ 11-yard line.

Dickson played for the Swans’ NEAFL side before he was picked up by a college football scout, and pundits were quick to point out that the quick-thinking, skilful play wouldn’t have looked out of place on an Aussie rules field.

While Dickson’s play won plenty of admirers, some viewers questioned whether the double punt was a legal play.

According to the NFL’s 2021 rule book, though, “a second kick from behind the line of scrimmage is legal provided the ball has not crossed the line”. Because the ball didn’t cross the line off Jones’ block, Dickson’s miraculous punt did not breach any rules.

American fans were especially impressed by Dickson’s ability to pick the ball up without fumbling, which could have given the Rams possession.

In his post-match press conference, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll called the play “one of the great kicking plays in the history of the league”.

“I’ve seen a lot of football and I’ve never seen that happen before,” he said.

“What a remarkable play it was. Not just to kick it but to kick it where he kicked it and to get so much out of it.

“Mikey’s a pretty darn good football player.

“The scoop was ridiculous.

“That was marvellous play that we witnessed.

Emmaunel Acho, a former linebacker who attended the same college as Dickson, tweeted: “Michael Dickson is the GOAT. My dude kept his cool, scooped up the ball with 1 hand and BOOTED it 68 yards!”

Dickson’s play wasn’t enough to secure a win for the Seahawks, who went down 26-17 to continue their lukewarm start to 2021.

The Seahawks finished the 2020 season as one of four NFC division leaders but have won only two of their first five games this year.

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/american-sports/nfl/greatest-punt-ever-america-wowed-by-aussie-nfl-star-michael-dicksons-rare-play/news-story/1b4323e5eb677c0f3cafab594fbe027d