No wonder former University of Hawaii football punter Mat McBriar appears to have led a storybook life.
A biography actually was published in 2014 on his ascension from struggling Australian rules player to achieving the American dream of playing for America’s Team.
“It was awesome,” McBriar said of a recently completed NFL career that spanned 12 years, including nine with the Dallas Cowboys. “I had a blast. I was very lucky.”
It actually was his diligence that transformed an Australia-raised novice who had never worn a football helmet or pads until he joined the Warriors as a 20-year-old freshman in 1999. With assistance from teammate Eric Hannum, McBriar spent his first UH training camp honing the proper techniques in catching the long snap, drop-placing the football, and a jab-step-step approach.
“It was all a first for me,” McBriar said. “My first (football) experience was at UH. I felt I had to play catch-up in some respects. It was very advantageous to have a teammate like Eric. He helped me a lot.”
McBriar and Hannum will be featured instructors at the Specialist Camp for punters, kickers and snappers. The entry fee is $75 for the June 12 camp at UH’s Ching Athletic Field & Complex. For details, call (808) 224-0911 or go to GPAfootball.com.
“It’s a great opportunity to try to give back to Hawaii,” McBriar said. “It’s where I got my start. I have a lot to be grateful for that.”
McBriar, like many also raised in Melbourne, harbored childhood aspirations of playing professional Australian rules football. “Most Americans grow up throwing,” McBriar said. “Growing up in Australia, we grow up kicking.”
McBriar acknowledged he did not have the overall talent to advance in that sport. “But kicking was always my skill, my strength,” McBriar said, “and that’s what led me to come over to the states.”
McBriar had to adjust to the shape of the ball. He said an Australian football is bigger, with a larger “sweet spot” to strike. “They still travel the same distance,” he noted.
McBriar recalled pestering UH long-snappers Brian Smith and Tanuvasa Moe for post-practice reps.
“I really hopped on them to snap a lot of balls to me in the years,” McBriar said. “I probably made them snap 10 times more than what they would have liked.”
During UH practices, McBriar would circle the field while extending his arms and then bouncing the football. Working on the drop-placement, he said, was “one of the tedious things.” But he said he maintained the form through a pro career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers and America’s team — the Dallas Cowboys.
“That never stops,” he said of the practice routine. “It’s like working on your short game in golf. You have to be on top of the small things, or it will fall apart on you.”
He also decided on a 21⁄2-step approach, with short strides, punctuated with a long swing. “I wanted that pretty-looking swing,” he said, “the one that was straight through.”
Those technical aspects, as well as tips on becoming flexible, will be part of McBriar’s curriculum at the camp.
“I want to keep it simple and not overwhelm them with too much information,” he said. “If I can point out a few fundamentals they can work on, whether that will be stretching or working on their drop, hopefully the kids will be able to take that information and use it in a positive manner.”
McBriar, who did not play in 2015, said he has not filed his official retirement papers. “The league doesn’t wait around on you,” McBriar said, alluding to the constant talent searches. “They move on quickly.”
McBriar said he has several business interests. He also is enjoying time with his home team — his wife and their two children. “I’m pretty lucky,” he said.
He said 3-year-old William starts preschool in the fall. “He’s excited about that,” McBriar said. “He’s definitely ready to socialize with other kids his age. He’s getting bored with his parents.”
