Jarryd Hayne has had to endure many critics on his NFL journey, but there's one he truly listens to.
It's his Nan.
The Sydney-raised San Francisco 49ers' running back in recent weeks has been growing a hipster beard, which might be in vogue with many American sports stars, but not with his beloved Nan.
"I shaved the beard last night," Hayne told reporters on Thursday.
"I was going to do it when I got home, but I thought I'd get rid of it.
"My Nan hates it so it was pretty funny.
"I spoke to her at Christmas and she wasn't too impressed."
Hayne is expected to play another major role for the 49ers at running back when the team plays its final game of the season against the St Louis Rams on Sunday (Monday 8.30am AEDT).
After almost two months on the practice squad, Hayne was a late addition in last weekend's loss to the Detroit Lions and played the majority of the team's snaps.
Hayne admitted his coaches have talked to him this week about some of the mistakes he made against the Lions, including being too excited and running routes too quickly.
"We spoke about that yesterday - just being a bit over excited," Hayne said.
"Obviously trying to get out of my route quicker than what I should have."
Hayne expects to return to the 49ers next season but when asked what he thought the future will hold he replied, "We'll obviously have to wait and see."
In the short term he can't wait to get back to the Australian summer, swimming at the beach and catching up with friends and family.
He'll also drink plenty of coffee in Sydney, something he has struggled to find in the US to satisfy his high standards.
"Definitely coffee for sure," Hayne said when asked what the first thing he'll do when he touches down in Sydney.
"That's on the menu.
"I could be in hospital overdosing on caffeine I think."
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