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NFL Hall of Famer Torry Holt believes rugby league is on verge of an American takeover
After watching some of the NRL’s biggest stars in action, NFL Hall of Famer Torry Holt believes that rugby league can ride the wave of success and make an impact in America. WATCH THE VIDEO.
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2 min read
December 19, 2024 - 5:00AM
News Sport Network
Former NFL Star Torry Holt Amazed by NRL Players' Athleticism, Says They Could Thrive in the NFL
A former NFL Super Bowl winner believes rugby league is on the verge of an American takeover as the NRL prepares for its Las Vegas sequel to kick off the 2025 NRL season.
Just weeks after NFL legend Rob Gronkowski promoted the game in a first-of-its-kind TV ad, former St Louis (now LA) Rams wide receiver Torry Holt has made a bold prediction on the NRL’s second trip to the land of liberty.
Once a member of the 2000 Super Bowl-winning team labelled ‘the greatest show on turf’ Holt believes the Australian code can ride a wave of success in the United States.
“I think rugby league is right on par,” Holt said.
“Those guys are jacked up, tough, physical, passionate, so I have a ton of respect for the game of rugby league, but more importantly for the players and the athletes.
“The physical part of it and what it requires to get up, go out, and practice and go out and play — it’s something most of your normal folks can’t handle.
NFL legend Torry Holt. Picture: Supplied
NFL legend Torry Holt. Picture: Supplied
“The game transcends globally, coming from Australia and making an impact in the US.”
Holt, who was recently in Australia with the Rams to help promote the NFL and its new Olympic equivalent flag football, identified some of the NRL’s best athletes as potential American football stars.
“The reason why (NRL players could cross over) is because of the physicality of these guys,” he said.
Torry Holt in action for St Louis Rams in 2000.
Torry Holt in action for St Louis Rams in 2000.
“NFL football is so physical and so demanding, just look at their thighs.”
Stunned by Xavier Coates’ Dally M 2024 try of the year, Holt even compared the Melbourne Storm winger to fellow Super Bowl and two-time Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush.
Not having been at Vegas season-openers this year, Holt, 48 is keen to head to Sin City to compare the NRL’s growth in America to the NFL’s down under.
Holt optimistic about the NFL bringing games to Australia.
“It gives me hope that something can happen here,” Holt said.
NFL legend Rob Gronkowski stars in an advertisement for the NRL 2025 season opener in Las Vegas.
“There has been a lot of conversation about it, and I know (the NFL) wants to grow the international series, and maybe one day it will happen here.”
Holt is not only an ambassador for the LA Rams, but also has teamed with younger brother – former Detroit Lions safety Terrence – to create meaningful lives away from the sport, running the Holt Brothers Foundation and Holt Brothers Construction.
Through their foundation, Torry and Terrance help children who have had a parent diagnosed with cancer. They believe there is more than one victim when parents or caregivers are diagnosed with the disease.
After losing their mother when she was only 43, both knew that away from football it was extremely important to attach themselves to something that’s close to their heart.
“Our transition hasn’t been peaches and cream, hasn’t been all rosy, but it has been a fairly cool transition from the National Football League,”
“What we have learnt, that some of your players could take on board, the skills we have learnt playing football, being camaraderie, leadership, teamwork, those are some of the same skills we carry over now to our business as well as our philanthropic efforts.”
