Jarryd Hayne made a horror start to his NFL debut.

When Jarryd Hayne was thrown into the game late in the first quarter for his first taste of NFL football, he fumbled a punt, losing the ball and it was recovered by the Vikings.

Hayne was seen cursing as he made his way from the field for the San Francisco 49ers.

“This is a crazy game ... that ball ate him up,” commentator Trent Dilfer said. “There’s a bit of wind in the stadium tonight but that is an inexcusable mistake for Jarryd Hayne.”

SportsCenter and Aussie NBA star Matthew Dellavedova were among the throng of media and fans to react to the play on social media.

THE RECOVERY

Things got better for Hayne as he was given a chance at running back in the second quarter, picking up seven yards on a catch and run — but the 49ers needed 19 yards for a first down.

Hayne lalso fielded a punt and returned it 11 yards but the play didn’t count.

THE ANNOUNCEMENT

The Sacramento Bee’s Matt Barrows summarised it best when it was confirmed Hayne was set to suit up for the 49ers.

“You can exhale, Australia,” Barrows wrote.

“Jarryd Hayne, that continent’s favourite son, is in uniform for tonight’s game against the Vikings and presumably will return punts.

“Hayne was excellent at that during the preseason, returning nine punts with an 18.1-yard average and showing an aggressive instinct common to all the best return men.

“The upcoming game, however, might be a bit more challenging.”

Sports Illustrated’s Peter King, for some unknown reason, limited the celebrations to Sydney and the Australian capital.

As the 49ers announced its seven inactive players for the match at Levi’s Stadium — of which Hayne was clearly not one — the team’s website accompanied the statement with the line: “The Hayne Plane is all set for takeoff.”

The 49ers also posted this very cool tweet...

Socceroos Tim Cahill and Aussie NBA player Joe Ingles were among those “pumped” to watch how Hayne went.

TAB.com.au listed Hayne has a $9 shot to score a touchdown on debut.