They are British. They are tough. And they are training for the NFL in Daytona Beach.
"We are willing to do whatever it takes," 25-year-old Tom Collins said. "We are willing to go (there) and back."
London brothers Tom and Huw Collins have made a few transitions in their lives. Their latest involves giving up the thrills of British rugby to learn a new sport in a new country.
"Rugby has a lack of characters," 21-year-old Huw said. "It didn't fit our personas. We didn't relate to a lot of people. There was no buzz about it. That's why we are here. We want to be a part of the spark in the NFL."
So the two spent last week in Daytona Beach with One on One Kicking instructor Dan Lundy, soaking up the finer points of putting a foot on an NFL football.
"I'm excited about them," Lundy said. "They are supposed to be the best. They are professionals at what they do and they learn fast. These guys are mentally tough. Their attitude is 'Bring it.'"
The two rugby fly-offs (similar to a quarterback) were selected by an agent to begin the daunting effort of becoming British football stars in the NFL. They have spent about two months in the U.S., learning the American way between the uprights.
"In rugby, you have one minute to do whatever you want," Huw said. "There is no rush. You have all the time you want and there are not set steps before the kick."
"And the ball is bigger and more juicy," Tom added. "It is made of a leather somewhere between soccer and football, and you have a variety of techniques."
Growing up with rugby and soccer, Tom found American football on late night television and quickly became a fan.
"I didn't know what I was watching, but I liked the big hits and the long runs," Tom said. "The NFL has great athletes. (Chicago Bears wide receiver) Devin Hester is just sick."
By comparison, the brothers find English International rugby players "vanilla and bland."
"They are massive trainers, but we do like character," Tom said.
"We train the same way, but we like to have a laugh," Huw agreed.
Just don't forget that they are tough.
"They come from a sport where they get their heads ripped off every play," Lundy said.
The Collins brothers will continue to train while their agent works to set up try-outs for them in March. If they make an NFL roster some day, they will be the first English rugby players to make the transition to American football.
And they will have found the way with a Daytona Beach kicking instructor on the Father Lopez Catholic High School football field.
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