Arguably the best story of NFL training camp reached a happy ending when Australian rugby player Jarryd Hayne earned a spot on the San Francisco 49ers roster, and head coach Jim Tomsula acknowledged the magnitude of the accomplishment.
According to Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area, Tomsula said of Hayne:
“It’s a tremendous achievement, but I think it’s also why everybody is so enamored with it. It’s that true story, the American way or the Australian way. Work hard, keep driven, and you’ve made it.”
Hayne proved himself an indispensable special teams option throughout the preseason, and San Francisco had no legitimate chance to cut the 27-year-old. Another franchise surely would have swooped in and signed Hayne before the 49ers could’ve placed him on the practice squad.
After finding out he was officially on the roster, Hayne shared a neat message via his Twitter account.
IT ALWAYS WORKS OUT! I thank GOD for WHAT HE has done and going to do on this incredible journey!! I'm on the 53 MAN ROSTER FOR THE #49ers.
— jarryd hayne (@JarrydHayne) September 5, 2015
As Tomsula mentioned, per Maiocco, Hayne has merely reached the starting point of what is a long, difficult journey. Hayne found a spot on the 53-man, but staying with the team while teetering on the roster bubble is a particularly tough role for an NFL player.
Then again, Hayne proving himself worthy for the 49ers after a single preseason wasn’t easy, either. Hopefully he’ll stick around throughout the year, and perhaps a few years into the future, too.