Alabama Football Enjoying An International Appeal
As James Burnip walks through the Alabama locker room he’s surrounded by players with American accents, mostly of the Southern variety.
That’s not unusual for anyone else, but for the Crimson Tide punter from Australia, it can be overwhelming.
That’s why he’s so happy freshman offensive lineman Olaus Alinen, from Finland, is on the team.
“It’s nice to hear anything other than an American accent all the time,” Burnip said. “I will talk with him in the locker room and it’s nice to hear his Finnish accent and speak a different language. It feels a little bit less like the South when I’m in the locker room now.”
The Alabama football brand has a nationwide reach. That’s no secret. It’s synonymous with championships. When a recruit gets an offer from the Crimson Tide, it’s like winning a golden ticket.
Lately, it seems that brand has branched outside the U.S. border and even to the other side of the world. Along with Burnip and Alinen, defensive lineman Isaiah Hastings, from Canada, is on the roster.
Foreign athletes aren’t new to Alabama. International players dominate the rosters on the Crimson Tide golf, tennis, swimming and track teams. For football, though, it’s a little uncommon.
There have been a few in the past. John Metchie III, from Canada, helped Alabama to a 2020 national title. Jesse Williams, from Australia, was a defensive lineman on the 2011 national title team.
This is the first time the Crimson Tide has numerous international players on the roster. That list will grow next fall when linebacker Justin Okoronkwo, from Germany, joins the team.
Australian players like Burnip are more visible in college, and even in the pros, than any other international group. Most of the Australian players are punters who grew up playing rugby or Australian Rules Football.
“Having the Australian football background is very advantageous for us,” Burnip said. “I grew up kicking. I’ve been doing it since I was 4 years old. My dad and I would kick the ball around in the back yard all the time.”
There are some American football leagues Down Under and it’s starting to grow. Burnip didn’t play in any leagues in Australia and didn’t even play a football game until he arrived at Alabama.
“My first ever game was in 2021 against Miami,” Burnip said. “I trained back in Australia with ProKick Australia. They specialized in training punters. They thought it was a good idea for me to give it a go so I did.”
Burnip’s first introduction to American football was through YouTube videos. He watched game highlights and was blown away at the size of the crowds for college games.
The national championship games were televised in Australia, too. That’s where he first learned of Alabama.
“I would always see Alabama in the national championship game, and that’s how I knew about them and Nick Saban."
There are more than Australian punters making college rosters in the U.S. Players from Africa and Europe are scattered across the country.
“I think football is growing around the world and I think that’s a good thing for the sport,” Burnip said.
Entering his third season with the Crimson Tide, Burnip said he’s gotten used to the game, and all indications are that he's having an outstanding camp in preparation for the 2023 season.
He's still having issues with the Southern summer heat, though.
“I’ve been here two years and I haven’t gotten used to the hot weather," he said. "But it’s better than an Australian winter, I’ll tell you that.”
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