A former Mandurah tradie turned American footballer has been selected to play for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL.
Lou Hedley was once a scaffolder in Mandurah and played for the Peel Thunder reserves team.
He then tried his luck at American football and moved to San Francisco to attend junior college where he earned the necessary grades to then move to the University of Miami in 2019.
The 30-year-old played 47 games for the Miami Hurricanes across four years, wearing the same number as former player Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Hedley then decided to declare for the 2023 National NFL National Draft in April but was unsuccessful.
But, this week, the Saints claimed him as an undrafted free agent in their 53-man roster for the upcoming NFL season.
He's set to earn a salary of at least $1.16 million.
Love seeing this.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 30, 2023
Congrats brother.
Hardest workers in the room. https://t.co/vfuLYluu04
Rooting for this guy to make it 👏🏾👏🏾
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 30, 2023
Love Lou Hedley’s story and his hunger. #theU #94 @NFL @Saints https://t.co/GbqmjJQ4XV
WAFLW: Peel women secure first win of 2024 season
WAFL: Peel make club history after West Perth thrashing
Peel Thunder stars named in WAFL State Squad to face South Australia at Optus Stadium