2016 NFL News & Updates: Jarryd Hayne Addresses Rumors About Leaving 49ers

By Carlo Monzon
Jarryd Hayne
Australian rugby league player Jarryd Hayne during between Papua New Guinea and australian Prime Minister's XIII in Kokopo. Wikimedia Commons/PNG Rugby Football League via Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

After going through a struggling season as the running back of the San Francisco 49ers, various rumors indicated that Jarryd Hayne might ditch his NFL career and return to Australia and New Zealand's National Rugby League. But according to the athlete, these reports are not true.

Hayne joined the NRL in 2000 and for more than a decade, he was able to make a name for himself as a professional rugby player. But then, in 2015, he was given the opportunity to penetrate the NFL market after the 49ers offered him a three-year contract.

However, it was clear that he struggled adapting to the playing style and rules of the NFL during his first season of the league. Because, various reports suggested that after the 2015 season, Hayne will go back to playing rugby.

But, as noted by Hayne, these reports probably originated from his home country in Australia to generate hype for his return as a rugby player. For him though, he has no plans returning to the NRL anytime soon and he's determined to making it in the NFL, SFGate reported.

"At the start it got a bit annoying during last season," he said during his first media appearance of the year. "I guess it was disappointing, but that's the media back home."

"They make stories up whether it's to sell papers or try to get more viewers," he added. "I'm accustomed to that. I know how they operate. For me, I knew what I was doing. I knew where I was going."

In fact, Hayne believes that after spending an entire season with the 49ers, he has improved as an NFL player. He also said that he has already managed his initial difficulties of learning about the formations, plays, and other NFL jargons.

In addition, he's becoming very familiar with head coach Chip Kelly's playbook.

It was weird because I was studying from Monday to Thursday and I was just like, 'I'm going to have a day off to just clear my head,'" he said according to The Guardian.

"I did that and come Saturday I was OK," he added. "Then Sunday I just went, 'boom boom boom.' It felt great because I've learned the majority."

  • [Exclusive Interview] A revelation within the brink of life and death — Meg Leung’s mission in Christian art

    Meg Leung (梁麗橋), an artist with a lifelong love for watercolor painting, sees her art as more than a means of expressing her inner world; it is a bridge connecting her to God. Her artistic journey has revealed God’s perfect plan and inspired her to communicate the power of faith through her wor

  • Transgenderism a fundamental human right? Hong Kong public disagrees, survey finds

    A 2024 survey from the Society for Truth and Light (明光社)'s Center for Life and Ethics Research reveals that respondents from various backgrounds prioritize personal safety and fairness when it comes to transgender issues. When laws involve moral judgments, most respondents believe courts should not make the decisions. The study also indicates that religious believers share similar views with non-religious respondents, reflecting that many churches may rarely address gender topics in depth.

  • Discipleship and Evangelism: Walking the Path of the Great Commission

    Like an ever-flowing spring, the gospel refreshes dry, parched lands and needs our unwavering passion and steadfast faith to transform lives and bring renewal. The "flame in our hearts" calls Christians to keep their faith and love for the Lord ablaze, representing the work and power of the Holy Spirit, driving us to proclaim God's glory boldly.

  • North America Chinese Evangelical Seminary year-end report highlights significant ministry progress

    As the year draws to a close, Rev. James Liu, President of the Chinese Evangelical Seminary North America (CESNA), reflected on the seminary’s remarkable growth and ministry development over the past year. Dedicated to providing theological education to Chinese Christians, CESNA continues to uphold its mission to remain faithful to the gospel and nurture believers. This year’s achievements span academic, ministerial, and outreach endeavors, fostering spiritual growth and advancing missionary wo

Top Stories