Former Derry GAA star set to make history today with NFL debut

The Swatragh man is lined up to be the starting kicker for the New York Giants this afternoon.

Jude McAtamney, from the small village of Swatragh in County Derry, will be the starting kicker for the Giants as they take on the Washington Commanders later this evening in New Jersey.

The 24-year-old started out playing Gaelic football for his local club - Michael Davitt GAC Swatragh - before going on to help the Derry U20's to their 2018 Ulster Under-20 Football Championship win.

During his time studying at St Mary's University College, Belfast, McAtamney became increasingly interested in the NFL, and began setting his sights on a switch to the US.

In July 2021, McAtamney received and accepted a scholarship offer to play for the Chowan Hawks of Chowan University in North Carolina, an NCAA Division II program.

After a successful season with them, he transferred to the FBS-level Rutgers Scarlet Knights and quickly won the starting placekicker role.

His exploits at college level soon put him on the radar of several NFL teams, with the New York Giants taking particular interest in the Northern Irish prospect.

At try-outs for the Giants, McAtamney made all 10 of his attempted kicks in front of scouts. Despite not being selected in the 2024 NFL draft, he signed with the Giants as an undrafted free agent.

Within months, McAtamney was called up off the practice squad onto the Giants roster.

At 6 o’clock Irish time today, the eyes of one of the biggest and harshest NFL fanbases and media markets in America will be on a 24-year-old Gaelic footballer from Derry.

It will be a historic moment for McAtamney, who will become the first NFL player from County Derry.

He will join fellow Irishman Dan Whelan in playing regular season minutes this year, while Down's Charlie Smyth patiently waits for his opportunity at the New Orleans Saints.