Ex Pie, Blue signs with Tampa Bay
09/06/2010 11:24:23 PM
Former Carlton and Collingwood ruckman Chris Bryan has been signed by NFL side the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 28-year-old signed a three-year non-guaranteed contract with the Green Bay Packers in March but was recently cut from the Packers' set-up.
Bryan lost the battle to Tim Masthay for the punting spot over an intense pre-season but the Buccaneers moved quickly to secure Bryan's services after he was released.
Bryan, known as the "Bear", averaged 42.0 yards on eight punts with no touchbacks during the pre-season with the Packers.
Tampa Bay waived rookie draft pick Brent Bowden to make space for Bryan on their 53-man roster and he is expected to play his first regular season match against the Cleveland Browns on September 12 at his new home ground, the Raymond James Stadium in Florida.
He will become the fourth former AFL footballer to play NFL joining Darren Bennett, Ben Graham and Saverio Rocca.
Bryan played 46 games at senior level in the AFL - 16 for Carlton and 30 with Collingwood before being delisted in 2009.
He has been given guidance by former Brisbane and Hawthorn AFL player Nathan Chapman who runs Prokick Australia, an academy which trains aspiring punters hoping to make the NFL.