Camden Sports: American Football | Jason Brisbane | International Series NFL

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Camden Sports - DAN AITCH
Published: 30 October 2008

Bris taking a catch in practice

Jason brawn getting used to US identity

TOUGH-tackling linebacker Jason Brisbane was delighted to be back on British soil at the weekend when he returned to the capital for Sunday’s International Series NFL game at Wembley Stadium.
The towering 25-year-old, who started his career with Finsbury Park-based side the London Blitz, flew in on Monday to help his new San Diego Chargers team-mates prepare for their mouth-watering clash against the New Orleans Saints.
Having hit the headlines in the summer when he was drafted into the Chargers’ international practice squad, Brisbane has settled quickly in southern California after swapping the streets of Camden and Islington for a beach resort north of San Diego.
He is living the American dream, and loving every minute as he tackles the challenge of learning the finer details about a sport that he was first introduced to on his Sega Mega Drive games console.
Brisbane revealed that he is finding his time with the Chargers immensely valuable. “Obviously the difference between the NFL and the British American Football League is huge,” he said.
“But I still find myself surprised by the level of discipline and intensity.
“While playing in England, I considered myself one of the most disciplined players in the squad, but now I see what discipline really is.”
Brisbane has also found out that his ability to flow to the ball and make the tackle isn’t always enough. “If you make a tackle by abandoning your assignment, you’re in trouble,” he said. “The speed of the game is so unbelievable that you can’t afford to leave your assignment for a second.”
Brisbane hit the big time in pre-season when he took the field against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite the daunting task, he still found the time to recognise the enormity of the situation.
“I couldn’t help but look around and think ‘Wow, I’m playing in the NFL’.”
Brisbane watched from the sidelines as the Chargers lost 37-32 against the Saints on Sunday. The Wembley fixtures are proving an instant hit among the English fans, and, with more games planned in the future, there is little doubt that Brisbane will be back.

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