Waking up with a delay! Awkward moment Today host Tom Steinfort appears to interview NFL recruit Valentine Holmes without having done any research – not even asking him about his upcoming wedding
- Holmes, 23, turned his back on a $5million contract with Cronulla Sharks in NRL
- He returned to Australia from the United States to marry his long-term girlfriend
- Holmes spoke to Today Show newsreader Tom Steinfort about his NFL deal
- Due to interstate distance, interview was full of awkward delays throughout
Today Show newsreader Tom Steinfort and new NFL recruit Valentine Holmes have shared an awkward early-morning exchange regarding the footy star’s new career move.
Holmes, 23, turned his back on a $5million contract with the Cronulla Sharks in the NRL and signed with the New York Jets in the American football league as part of the International Pathway programme.
On Wednesday, Holmes – who is spending time back in Cronulla, Sydney – discussed his decision to join the Jets with Steinfort, who was in Airlie Beach, Queensland.
Holmes recently returned from training in the United States to marry his high school sweetheart Natalia O’Toole.
Today Show newsreader Tom Steinfort (left) and new NFL recruit Valentine Holmes (right) have shared an awkward early-morning exchange regarding the footy star’s new career move
The interstate distance made for awkward delays during the interview, and self-confessed AFL and NBA fan Steinfort seemed incapable of asking more than surface-level questions.
‘So what happens now you’re a Jet?’ Steinfort asked.
After a delay of about four seconds, Holmes replied: ‘Yeah, yeah… I haven’t got any uniform or anything like that yet so, um, it hasn’t really sunk in as of yet’.
Steinfort then asked Holmes how the Jets broke the news to him.
Holmes described taking a call from the team’s general manager – adding it was an ‘exciting day’.
The Today Show presenter failed to ask Holmes about his upcoming nuptials.
Holmes has been in a long-term relationship with personal trainer Natalia O’Toole (couple pictured), and the pair will marry in Townsville on April 22
Holmes has been in a long-term relationship with personal trainer Natalia O’Toole, and the pair will marry in Townsville on April 22, the Daily Telegraph reported.
A number of Holmes’ former Cronulla Sharks teammates are expected to attend the wedding, as is fellow Queensland and Kangaroos player Michael Morgan.
Morgan is married to Ms O’Toole’s sister Brianna.
Holmes is not the only NRL star to make it big in the United States.
Jarryd Hayne played a season with the San Francisco 49ers in 2015.
Holmes is listed as a running back, wide receiver and kick returner, and will join the Jets’ practice squad on a 12-month contract.
He will appear in the Jets’ four pre-season games, will be able to sign a contract to join the active 53-man roster if he impresses.
He joins fellow Australian Lachlan Edwards in the Jets squad.
Holmes (pictured) has been training in Florida for the NFL as part of the league’s international pathway program
Holmes is a big fan of the Jets’ cross-town rivals, the New York Giants.
‘The Giants are my favourite team and it would be a amazing to play with them, but I would be pleased to play with any team,’ Holmes said last week.
Holmes will be hit with a significant pay cut from his NRL days.
Pathway players on NFL practice squads earn about $181,500 per season.
The program is designed to give elite athletes with little American football knowledge a chance to insert themselves with an NFL team and learn the game without the pressure of being cut.