Silas Redd was never able to make his NFL career work after he signed with the Washington Redskins as an undrafted free agent in 2014, but the former USC running back still has every intention of being a professional athlete. Hopefully, he finds more success on the rugby pitch.
Redd, who appeared in 15 games for the Redskins, recently signed a contract with the Ipswich Jets of the Australian Queensland Cup. His ultimate goal is to play in the highest level of the National Rugby League, and he told NRL.com that he has drawn inspiration from Jarryd Hayne. As you may know, Hayne was an NRL star who made the transition to the NFL and played for the San Francisco 49ers.
“The qualifier is that Jarryd made it to the highest level of the NFL and my goal is to play in the highest level of the NRL, and I am not there yet,” Redd said. “I know it is going to be hard work to switch over and play at the highest level, but that is something I am willing to put in the work for.
“I don’t think there is any drop-off in athleticism between the NFL and NRL, and Jarryd was fearless. It was just a whole new game to what he knew and he was able to conquer it. I just hope I can put forth that same effort.”
Ipswich Jets chairman Steve Johnson said he is confident Redd can accomplish his goals if he puts in the work.
“Without a shadow of a doubt I can’t think of a better athlete coming to Australia from another sport to play rugby league in the history of our game,” Johnson said. “We spent a long time speaking to people in America about this and running back is the ideal position to transition into rugby league. It is in a contact position where you need quick feet and explosive power and Silas showed all those skills when he played a game for us in Hawaii.”
Redd tore his ACL during a preseason game in 2015. He was later suspended for testing positive for marijuana, though he insists he was only using it for pain management. There were also some questions about whether Snoop Dogg helped recruit him to USC, but Johnson insists the Jets have done their research and have no concerns.
