Morgan's Traveling is Quite the Kick

It is not very rare to have players from other countries play football at Temple University. "Diversity University" is among the FBS leaders with eight foreign countries represented in the football locker room. Mackenzie Morgan is just one of those players and his route to North Philadelphia is nothing short of amazing.

Morgan is from a small city in Australia named called Trigg. Migrating to the United States to play football was very hard for him. He is extremely close with his family, and it took Morgan a while to adjust to being away from his family. Morgan stated, "it has been hard since the pandemic, the restrictions in Australia on Covid were strict." Just this year Australia opened its country back to pre-pandemic conditions. During the pandemic, Australia wasn't authorizing people to travel in and out of their country which made it incredibly difficult for Morgan to see his family. He communicates with them frequently on the phone during his free time.

Morgan found it difficult to get acclimated in Philadelphia and the United States as a whole. "The United States alone was very hard to get used to," he said. "The hardest part about it was the language barrier. Words that I use in Australia, people from the United States have never heard of before."

On the more humorous side Morgan said, "There was no place in Philadelphia that had good coffee. Australia has the best coffee." Morgan misses his country a lot, but he is loving the City of Brotherly Love. He enjoys Philadelphia's atmosphere and fast-paced life. He specifically likes the idea that he can hop on a train and travel from one place to another in a short amount of time. Now that he is accustomed to how Philadelphia operates, he is more relaxed and at ease.

Morgan transferred to Temple after stops at North Carolina State and Weber State. When asked what made him decide to come to Temple University to play football. He said, "[Special teams coordinator Adam] Scheier really respects his players and is always looking for ways and strategies the special team can improve on. Coach Scheier is the main reason why I committed to this football team; he is really a good guy that I can resonate with."

At 28-year-old, Morgan is the oldest member on this Temple's Football team and believed to be the oldest to play at Temple since the 1940s. When asked how it feels to be the oldest member on the football team he stated, "I feel like the youngest on the team, I am the silliest person on the team." At certain times Morgan steps up as a leader and speaks up about what the team should do differently at critical moments. He explained that underclassmen on the team come to him for personal guidance or advice. Morgan loves the idea that teammates feel comfortable speaking with him and asking him for advice. "The idea of stepping up and being a leader for this team is what I strive to be for my teammates."

While Morgan first played football in Australia, that game is completely the opposite of how football is played in America. Australian football is played on an oval field, and it reminds Morgan of the sport rugby. One of the main differences for Morgan is that he played on the field longer in Australia whereas in America, as a punter, he is on the field for a matter of seconds after he kicks the ball to the opposing team.

It has been an adjustment for Morgan playing this position in his college career. He often finds it difficult and stressful where at times he needs to relax. Morgan stated, "I worry about the weather conditions when I am punting the ball during the game. I worry about how heavy the rush and blocks are coming when it is time for me to kick to the opposing team."

Morgan is passionate about the game of football and how it builds bonds that last a lifetime. "I am deeply invested in the outcome of my team and my unit. I remain a cheerleader for my teammates who are playing professional football, as I will be for my current teammates who get into the NFL."

One of his long-term goals is making it professionally. "Making it to the NFL will be my dream, but I know the sacrifices and hard work it will take for me to reach that goal."

This talented and aspiring punter has a few role models at the professional level. His former teammate from North Carolina State, A.J. Cole, plays for the Las Vegas Raiders. Arryn Siposs, a punter for the Philadelphia Eagles, is also a former professional Australian football player. Morgan has great relationships with both punters who are like family to him.

Morgan expressed his plans after graduation. His football career will determine if he stays in the United States or returns to Australia. He is currently earning his master's degree in Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Morgan has his own start-up business - sunglasses - which he is looking to take on investors.

Temple University Athletics

Morgan's Traveling is Quite the Kick

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