Aussie Archie Wilson breaks down over family separation at college presser

The Australian

6 days ago

The family of the homesick Aussie punter who captured the hearts of people across the world with his emotional press conference have rallied around their son.
The family explained it was 'hard to watch' their son, Archie Wilson, break down during his pre-season press conference when discussing the challenges of living away from home.
'Rough... it was hard to watch,' Wilson's brothers, Oscar and Lewis, told Channel 9.
Wilson's mum, Jessica, said she'd spoken to the young star and that he'd bounced back from the moment that has since gone viral on the internet.
'I spoke to him as soon as I woke up yesterday morning. He was absolutely fine,' she said.
'You can see when he walks off at the end of the video he's fine, he just broke down in those few moments.
'He actually went on to do another hour of press after that and he was fine. They just captured that one moment. He got asked about his family and he clearly misses us, he couldn't control his emotions.'
Archie Wilson broke down at Huskers' press conference.
AUSSIE TEEN PUNTER BREAKS DOWN AT COLLEGE PRESSER
Australian Archie Wilson has broken down in tears at a pre-season press conference, when talking about the difficulties of leaving his family behind to chase his American football dream.
At the very end of his media appearance, the Nebraska Huskers' 2025 recruit was asked by a reporter: 'You're living all the way across the world from them (his family), what's it like? The first time you're away from them?'
To which Wilson's emotions got the better of him as he responded: 'That part is hard, I'm sorry,' as he broke into tears.
'I love them a lot, I've got two little brothers, a mum and dad.
'That's the tough part about being here.
'I love them a lot, and I miss them.
'They know this is what's best for me.
'It's good I can still talk to them over the phone, they're coming to the first few games, so I'm looking forward to that.'
A Nebraska freshman, Wilson, 18, relocated to the USA this past American Summer from his home in Frankston South, on the Peninsula of Melbourne, when he was drafted via Prokick Australia.
The program has produced 29 punters bound for NFL or CFL (Canadian Football League) contracts.
The teenage punter grew up playing AFL for most of his life before making the switch to NFL, lining up for Haileybury College in a defensive role.
Archie Wilson joined the Huskers' this past American Summer.
Special teams co-ordinator Mike Elker championed the Aussie's talent following a Huskers' practice session.
'Man, that guy is special. I mean, he truly is,' Ekeler said.
'He's 18 years old, leaves home for the first time, goes to a different country, and leaves his family which he's extremely close to.
'What coach (Matt Rhule) said about him is accurate. That kid knows every one of his teammates, and his teammates love him because of the energy he brings in the building, not just because of what he can do with the football.'
The Huskers' 2025 season kicks off against the Cincinnati Bearcats on August 28.