Richmond forward Ben Griffiths retired from the AFL at the age of 26 to pursue a career as a punter in the USA. Griffiths has accepted a four-year scholarship to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
The former Tigers goal kicker has been working with Nathan Chapman of Pro Kick Australia and will follow the footsteps of another Australian punter to USC in Chris Tilbey. Griffiths will be playing for Head coach Clay Helton who will be going into his 3rd season at the Trojans Head Coach.
So “After one punt, we knew exactly what to do with him” then we went to work. And with him @bgriffo24 being focused on education, this was a good decision by redirecting his sporting attributes to make it possible. #USC #unilife #prokickaustralia pic.twitter.com/xvJMVMA1XL
— Prokick Australia (@ProkickAus) January 11, 2018
“This was a difficult decision to make, but ultimately the opportunity was too good to refuse,” Griffiths said. “It certainly wasn’t something I had been contemplating and only arose two weeks ago.
“It was tough telling my teammates and coaches this morning but they understand and support my decision.
Griffiths played just two matches for the Tigers this season after battling concussion issues before returning late in the season to feature in the club’s VFL finals campaign.
