At a press conference on Tuesday, Nebraska freshman Archie Wilson became emotional when asked by reporters about leaving his family for the first time as the Australian punter shared his feelings.
“It’s hard, I mean…sorry,” the 19-year-old said, pausing to regain his composure.
“I really love them,” he added, wiping away tears. “I have two brothers, my mom, and dad. That’s the toughest part about being here. I miss them.”
He continued, “But they believe this is the best decision for me. It helps that I can still talk to them frequently on the phone. They’re also coming to see my first few games, which I’m excited about.”
Wilson, who joined Nebraska this summer from Frankston South in Australia, is the son of Jessica Bach and Lee Wilson. You can find more about him on the team’s website.
Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, Wilson previously played Australian Rules football as a key defender at Haley Berry College. As noted in his Nebraska bio, he’s a product of Prokick Australia, which has produced eight Ray Guy Award winners and numerous punters with NFL or CFL contracts.
Mike Ekeller, Nebraska’s special teams coordinator, praised Wilson, mentioning how well-liked he is by his teammates.
“He’s a special guy,” Ekeller said. “At just 18, he’s moving to another country and leaving behind a close-knit family. His teammates appreciate him not only for his energy but also for his skills on the field.”
Nebraska is set to face the Cincinnati Bearcats in 2025 at Arrowhead Stadium, home to the Kansas City Chiefs.
