A New Chapter for Matt Burton
Matt Burton, the talented punter for the Canterbury Bulldogs, is considering a potential career in the NFL. His impressive 62-metre kick during training at Belmore has already drawn attention from scouts who are eager to discover the next Australian super-boot following Michael Dickson’s Super Bowl success.
During the same time that Sydney-raised punter Dickson was playing a key role in the Seattle Seahawks’ victory over New England, the Bulldogs recorded footage of Burton kicking a gridiron ball off a tee and through the posts from a long distance. After completing the kick, he turned around, fist-pumped, and told his teammates, “Not bad.” The video quickly gained traction on the Dogs’ social media platforms, receiving nearly 3 million views by Tuesday lunchtime.
The current record for the longest made field goal in the NFL stands at 68 yards or 62.2 meters, set by Jacksonville Jaguars place kicker Cam Little last year. Burton has previously expressed interest in exploring an NFL career, and his manager, David Riolo, confirmed that the 25-year-old is genuinely considering this opportunity.
Burton will be 27 when his contract with the Bulldogs expires at the end of next year. He currently earns around $800,000 per season. Comparatively, two of the highest-paid kickers in the NFL, Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jake Elliott of the Philadelphia Eagles, are 30 and 31 years old respectively and earn approximately $8.5 million annually.
“There’s already been some interest from NFL scouts – it’s something he wants to look at down the track, for sure,” Riolo said. “He’s off contract with the Dogs at the end of next year. I don’t think his rugby league journey finishes there, but he will not close the door on an opportunity if it arose in the NFL. He’s got time on his side. And he likes the game and likes kicking the footy.”
Bulldogs skipper Stephen Crichton, who was watching Burton’s long-range kick from the sidelines, commented, “He’s done that before. I know how big his boot is. I’ve never seen anyone kick it bigger than ‘Burto’. He’s a bit like a cheat code when you’re playing games – he gets you out of trouble.”
Encouragement from Colin Scotts
Colin Scotts, one of the first Australians to feature in the NFL, has encouraged Burton to pursue the American game now. He suggested that Burton should upload fresh footage of himself kicking the ball with someone holding it.
After viewing the footage of Burton’s kick, Scotts remarked, “That’s unbelievable. A tee helps you kick the ball further, and the next test would be getting someone to hold the ball and kicking it off the ground. I’d love to see what he’s got.”
Scotts also advised Burton to reach out to Gridiron Australia or Prokick in Victoria, which could provide a direct pathway to the NFL and its scouts. “Scouts are always looking for long-distance kickers, just as they are with punters. And everyone is talking about our [Australians’] kicking ability – you need to go now when we’re hot.”
Fan Reactions and Coach Insights
Bulldogs fans have been captivated by Burton’s powerful kicks, with one soaring nearly 34 meters high during a game against Parramatta in 2024. Coach Cameron Ciraldo acknowledges the challenge that Burton’s torpedos pose to fullbacks but also notes the common issue of mis-timed kicks, which often result in the Bulldogs defending a set further up the field.
