Mitch Wishnowsky's road into the NFL wasn't a straightforward journey, but he has navigated the challenges to become a key player for the San Francisco 49ers.
Read on as we explore his remarkable rise from the Pac-12 Conference and into the big league, before assessing what the future holds for the 31-year-old.
From AFL Aspirations to NFL Dream
Wishnowsky originally wanted to play in the Australian Football League (AFL), but shoulder injuries forced him to abandon his dream.
He tried his hand at different things, but his life changed forever when he got a crucial call from Prokick Australia. The academy trains athletes for American football opportunities.
Craig Wilson spotted Wishnowsky while playing amateur flag football with friends in Perth and invited him to Prokick. He noted his raw talent and explosive athleticism.
His powerful leg and dedication to hard work made him stand out amongst fellow competitors. Wilson's gamble was pivotal for Wishnowsky's future.
Unlike most talented youngsters, Wishnowsky has always put in the extra work that takes players to the top. He notably took 100-metre walks during his time at Santa Barbara City College.
Wishnowsky impressed at Prokick before honing his skills at Santa Barbara City College and later at the University of Utah. He won the Ray Guy Award as the nation's best collegiate punter in Utah (2016).
He did enough to attract the attention of the NFL, and the 49ers drafted him in the fourth round in 2019. Wishnowsky was the highest-drafted punter since 2012 at the time.
He immediately established himself as a pivotal player for the 49ers, showing his ability to flip the field and pin opponents deep into their territory.
He recorded 127 punts placed inside the 20-yard line in his first five season, ranking second in 49ers history behind Andy Lee (300). He is also second in yards per punt average (45.7), displaying remarkable power and precision.
His performances and consistency impressed the top brass, and he signed a contract extension in 2022. He has won several awards with the 49ers, including two NFC Special Teams Player of the Month awards, and was also named a Pro Bowl player in 2022 and 2024.
Super Bowl LVIII: Heartbreak & Recognition
The 49ers agonisingly fell short to the Patrick Mahomes-led Kansas City Chiefs in overtime at the recent Super Bowl.
The Chiefs were the favourites for the match and delivered the goods, but Wishnowsky was able to hold his head held high after the narrow defeat.
His performance received widespread praise, with several respected pundits naming him one of the best players on the field.
Wishnowky's stellar punting ability was on display for the more than 200 million people who tuned in to watch the final in Las Vegas. He averaged over 50 yards per kick, helping to pin the Chiefs several times.
Despite failing to etch his name into the history books as the second Australian to win the Super Bowl, he became the first to play in two championship matches. Jesse Williams has a Super Bowl ring but did not play due to injury.
Wishnowsky is the fourth Australian to lose a Super Bowl but now holds the record for the most punts within the 10-yard line for the 49ers and continues to garner respect from all for his work ethic and skill.
What the Future Holds for Wishnowsky
The loss in the Super Bowl final was not only heart-breaking for the 49ers, but also for the legion of sports bettors who wagered heavily on them winning the Super Bowl.
Several leading online bookmakers believe they will gain redemption next season, installing them as favourites in the ante-post market for the NFL championship.
They have been handed odds of 6.00 to clinch the title, placing them ahead of the Chiefs (7.50) and Baltimore Ravens (9.50) in the early betting.
According to MyBettingAustralia.com.au PlayUp review, Aussie punters searching for the best prices on sports played outside their jurisdiction would be well advised to use this slick sportsbook for NFL betting.
With odds already available on the outcome of the 2024 NFL season, PlayUp is clearly eager to capitalise on Wishnowsky’s presence in the league.
Australian bettors will undoubtedly be hoping the 49ers can put last season’s disappointment behind them and deliver a winning return this time around.
While a Super Bowl win remains elusive for Wishnowsky, his journey from a young Australian with a dream to becoming a key player in the NFL is testament to his ability.
With a little more luck, the Gosnells-born star could be celebrating a memorable victory at the end of the 2024 NFL campaign.
