Homesickness takes toll on Australian Archie Wilson chasing American football dream
Wilson, from Melbourne and turning 19 next Wednesday, is preparing for the college season with the University of Nebraska.
Wilson joined in June, coming through the Prokick Australia program that has produced NFL punters Tory Taylor (Chicago Bears), Michael Dickson (Seattle Seahawks) and Mitch Wishnowsky (San Francisco 49ers).
Wilson was conducting a press conference on Tuesday when he was asked about life away from his family.
"That part's hard. I mean — I'm sorry," he said before breaking down at the podium.
"I love them a lot. I got two little brothers and my mum and dad. That's the tough part about being here. I love them a lot and I miss them."
The Victorian was able to quickly compose himself and then continued his press conference.
He said his family would be in attendance for Nebraska's first match, against Cincinnati.
"They know this is what's best for me," Wilson said.
"It's good I can still talk to them plenty over the phone.
"They're coming here to see the first few games, so I'm looking forward to that."
Australian punters have been prominent in the college game for several years.
Ohio State and Notre Dame, the universities that played in the national championship game last season, both had Australian punters.
Joe McGuire (Ohio State) and James Rendell (Notre Dame) also came through the Prokick program.
Should Wilson take the field in the season opener, his first game of college football will be held at Arrowhead Stadium, the home ground for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL.
Nebraska will face Cincinnati on August 29 at 11am, AEST. Neither team is currently ranked inside the top 25 of the college football rankings.
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