Alabama punter jemas Burnip has signed an undrafted free agents deal with new Orleans Saints the Crimson Tide announced on social media…
James Burnip, the Australian-born punter who became a standout special teams asset for the Alabama Crimson Tide, has taken the next step in his football journey. The University of Alabama announced on social media that Burnip has signed an undrafted free agent (UDFA) deal with the New Orleans Saints following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft.
While his name wasn’t called during the seven rounds of the draft, Burnip’s signing quickly sparked interest given his consistency and improvement throughout his collegiate career. His addition to the Saints roster marks the latest chapter in an unconventional path to the NFL for the 6-foot-6, 220-pound specialist, who came to Alabama as part of the program’s growing pipeline of international punting talent.
Burnip hails from Mount Macedon, Victoria, and began his athletic career playing Australian Rules Football before transitioning to American football via the renowned Prokick Australia program. The program, which specializes in preparing Australian athletes for punting roles in the United States, has produced a number of successful college and NFL punters over the years. Burnip enrolled at Alabama in 2021 with no prior experience in American football but quickly adjusted to the demands of SEC competition.
During his three seasons with the Crimson Tide, Burnip emerged as one of the most reliable punters in the nation. In 2023, he averaged 43.7 yards per punt, with 22 of his 47 punts landing inside the 20-yard line. By the 2024 season, Burnip had elevated his average to 45.6 yards per punt, demonstrating both leg strength and precision placement.
Burnip’s performance earned him All-SEC honorable mention honors and praise from special teams coordinators across the conference. He was particularly effective in pinning opponents deep and flipping field position, a skill highly valued at the professional level. His rugby-style punting background provided added versatility and hang time, contributing to Alabama’s excellent punt coverage statistics.
Burnip’s signing brings Alabama’s 2025 NFL Draft class to a broader total that includes both drafted and undrafted players. Although he didn’t hear his name announced during the televised draft broadcast, Burnip’s journey is a reminder that NFL dreams often begin after the draft ends.
The Crimson Tide’s official football account shared the announcement with a graphic of Burnip in a Saints uniform, captioned simply: “Next Chapter: @jamesburnip signs with the Saints.” The post was met with an outpouring of support from Alabama fans and teammates, many of whom praised Burnip’s work ethic and team-first attitude.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer, who took over the Crimson Tide program in early 2024, had previously commended Burnip’s leadership and consistency during a transitional year for Alabama football. “James is the kind of player every coach wants—focused, dependable, and always looking to improve,” DeBoer said during the team’s Pro Day. “He gave us a chance to win the field position battle every game.”
In New Orleans, Burnip enters a situation where competition is key. The Saints are evaluating multiple options at punter heading into training camp and see Burnip as a legitimate contender. While the team already has a veteran punter on the roster, Burnip’s combination of size, athleticism, and directional punting could help him carve out a role.
Special teams play is a critical part of head coach Dennis Allen’s game plan, and the Saints have shown a willingness in recent years to invest in undrafted specialists who can deliver under pressure. Burnip’s consistency and international flair may give him a unique edge as he competes for a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Burnip’s signing is yet another testament to Alabama’s ability to develop NFL-caliber talent at every position—even ones that don’t often dominate the headlines. For Burnip, it’s the culmination of years of effort, training, and adapting to a foreign sport at the highest level of college competition.
Should he secure a spot with the Saints, Burnip would become part of a small but growing group of Australian punters making an impact in the NFL. If history is any indication, players from the Prokick Australia pipeline often stick around—turning once-unfamiliar names into trusted specialists on Sundays.
As he begins his pro career, James Burnip carries the hopes of not only Alabama fans but also young Australian athletes who dare to dream of NFL success. For now, the focus is on New Orleans, where Burnip will aim to prove that being undrafted doesn’t mean being overlooked.
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