Australian Jesse Williams drafted in fifth round by the NFL's Seattle Seahawks

April 29, 2013

Sunday, the NFL's drafted Brisbane, Australia native  Jesse Williams in the fifth round of the. Going into the draft, there were some expectations by the  and other media outlets that Williams might be selected in the first round. Injuries, which resulted in Williams being unable to participate fully in the NFL Combine, likely were reasons why he was not selected higher.

is not the most popular football code in Australia, with rugby league, rugby union, soccer, and Australian rules football all being more popular participation sports. Williams' youth sporting career reflected this, with Williams playing rugby union until he was 15 years old at which time he switched codes and joined the local gridiron team, the Bayside Ravens. A year later, his playing ability earned him a scholarship offer from the University of Hawaii. He could not meet the university's academic standards so eventually he attended instead. In 2011, he transferred to the and played for the  for two seasons. Both seasons, his Crimson Tide team won the national championship.

Williams' selection is unique amongst Australians as most Australians who have played in the NFL have been kickers. He is also only the second Australian ever to be drafted in the NFL Draft.