Colin Scotts, Australian-American football player
Colin Roberts Scotts, born on April 26, 1963, stands as a notable figure in the history of Australian athletes making their mark on American sports. His journey is particularly significant as he holds the distinction of being the very first Australian to earn an American football scholarship in the United States and subsequently the first to be drafted into the prestigious National Football League (NFL).
Early Life and Sporting Roots in Australia
Growing up amidst the vibrant coastal community of Palm Beach in Sydney, Australia, Scotts' initial sporting prowess was honed on the rugby fields. He attended the esteemed The Scots College, an institution renowned for its strong rugby program, where he quickly distinguished himself. His talent was recognized at a national level when he was selected as a proud member of the 1981 Australian Schoolboys Rugby team, a significant achievement that showcased his potential and skill in the sport.
A Pioneering Journey to American Football
Scotts' unexpected transition from rugby union to American football began when an assistant coach from the United States spotted his raw athleticism and power during a rugby game. This serendipitous encounter led to an extraordinary opportunity: a full football scholarship to the University of Hawaii. Moving across the Pacific, Scotts embraced the challenge of learning a new sport, translating his formidable rugby skills—particularly his strength and tackling ability—to the gridiron. This move was groundbreaking, opening a pathway that few Australians had previously contemplated.
Breaking into the National Football League
His dedication and talent culminated in a historic moment when Colin Scotts was selected in the third round of the 1987 NFL Draft. This made him the first Australian ever to be drafted into the league, a testament to his unique journey and potential. He went on to forge a career in the NFL as a defensive tackle, a physically demanding position requiring immense strength and agility. During the 1987 season, he played in seven games for the St. Louis Cardinals. While his professional NFL playing career was relatively brief, his impact as a pioneer was immense. It is worth noting that while Scotts was the first to be drafted and play after receiving an American football scholarship, he was the second Australian overall to play in the NFL, following Colin Ridgeway, an earlier trailblazer who transitioned from Australian rules football.
Beyond the Gridiron: A New Chapter in Professional Wrestling
After his time in the NFL, Scotts explored another physically demanding and entertainment-oriented profession. In 1993, he embarked on a brief professional wrestling career, joining the Tennessee-based United States Wrestling Association (USWA). This venture showcased his versatility and willingness to embrace new challenges, moving from the strategic plays of American football to the theatrical world of professional wrestling.
FAQs about Colin Scotts
- Who is Colin Roberts Scotts?
- Colin Roberts Scotts is a former American football player, born on April 26, 1963. He is notably recognized as the first Australian to receive an American football scholarship in the U.S. and the first to be drafted into the NFL.
- What was Colin Scotts' athletic background before American football?
- Before his American football career, Colin Scotts was an accomplished rugby union player in Australia. He played for The Scots College and was a member of the prestigious 1981 Australian Schoolboys Rugby team.
- How did Colin Scotts get into American football?
- He was spotted by an assistant coach from an American university during a rugby game in Australia. This led to him receiving a full football scholarship to play in Hawaii, marking his transition to American football.
- Which NFL team did Colin Scotts play for?
- Colin Scotts played as a defensive tackle for the St. Louis Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals) in seven games during the 1987 NFL season.
- Was Colin Scotts the first Australian to play in the NFL?
- No, he was the second. While he was the first Australian to receive an American football scholarship and be drafted into the NFL, Colin Ridgeway, an Australian rules football convert, preceded him in playing in the NFL.
- Did Colin Scotts pursue any other professional careers after the NFL?
- Yes, after his NFL career, Colin Scotts had a brief stint in professional wrestling in 1993 with the United States Wrestling Association (USWA) in Tennessee.