But at 195cm, Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has 12cm on Richmond's Chris Newman.

Newton recently signed a renewed contract worth $US103.8 million ($139 million) over five years, so it would be fair to think the American had the edge on remuneration too.

The NFL player was spending several days in Australia as part of an athlete exchange program and went to two AFL matches on the weekend, including Richmond's win over the GWS Giants.

Newton said the Richmond players used a huge amount of effort on the field and he was surprised by the lack of protective clothing they wore.

"All they're wearing in essence is a tank top and a pair of boxers, and going out there and giving it all they have, which makes them courageous."

He was impressed by the distance AFL players were able to kick the football.

"I think everyone could be a respected punter in the [NFL] league with how far they're kicking it from," he said.

"Me, that's not my cup of tea ... I tried kicking a couple of times while I was here and the ball didn't go as far as I was expecting it to go."

Newton admitted he knew nothing about the local game before arriving in Australia, but he said it was "a very cool sport" and he hoped to stay in touch with some of the players.

"We need others in [US] football, as well as when playing a game of [AFL] footy, as well as in life."

Newman said he was a big fan of the US football league, so it was an honour to have Newton at the club.

Newton spoke with the Richmond leadership group, and the Tigers veteran said he was struck by how similar their thoughts were on how a team should function.

"The main thing is everyone just playing their role," he said.

"His presence and the way he speaks and demands of others, I think we can take something out of that."