Jarryd Hayne NFL: Aussie admits last season's hype was a distraction

If it is for Aussie running back Jarryd Hayne, he would prefer less hype once he hits the second year of his NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers.

In a radio interview with KIIS FM’s Kyle and Jackie O, Hayne revealed he was challenged by the hype the US and Australia media created around him during his rookie year with the 49ers. But the Australian rugby league star also admitted the considerable amount of attention distracted him from focusing on learning the game.

“It [the hype] was more of a distraction. It was still fresh for me, so I was still learning,” Hayne said, reports Fox Sports. “Playing that first game and making that big run, the hype just accelerated. So it was a bit distracting.”

Hayne had a stellar preseason last year that earned him a spot in the 49ers’ active roster. But the NFL convert was only given limited action in the regular season and was booted into the practice squad after committing costly errors during game days.

Hayne will return to San Francisco in three weeks to start his offseason work with new coach Chip Kelly, who is excited to see the former Eel in year two of his NFL career. However, Hayne could start from scratch to secure a spot in the club’s active roster, having the need to impress Kelly once the 49ers’ offseason trainings start on Apr. 4.

Nevertheless, Kelly marvels how Hayne successfully jumped from rugby league to the NFL and gain immediate experience in playing the sport.

"I think it's pretty amazing just because I know how difficult this game is, and to not have any background in it and then to be able to play at its highest level is really a credit to him in terms of what type of athlete he is," Kelly said, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

"He's one of those guys, you get really excited to see what he can do and what type of jump he can make in a year two with a better understanding of how the game is played.”