Former Derry Gaelic Footballer Jude McAtamney Signs with NFL’s New York Giants

Former Derry Under-20s gaelic footballer Jude McAtamney has achieved his dream of signing with the NFL team, the New York Giants. The kicker, who previously won an Ulster Under-20s title with Derry, will now compete for a roster spot with the Giants alongside Scottish-born Graham Gano.

McAtamney expressed his excitement about the opportunity, stating, “We verbally agreed on Saturday, it was nice to have that clarity. The amount of feedback the Giants gave me since the day I worked out with them, I would maybe have been surprised if they wouldn’t have taken me. I had a good feeling it was going to happen.”

Having played two college seasons for Rutgers University in New Jersey, McAtamney is following in the footsteps of other Irish athletes who have made the transition to the NFL, such as Charlie Smyth and Dan Whelan. He shared his enthusiasm about joining the ranks of Irish players in the league, saying, “It’s cool to have another Irish person on an NFL team. Also Dan. He played last year so it’s good to know that it’s possible.”

McAtamney will begin his journey with the Giants on May 9th, participating in a rookie mini-camp and training at the facility until mid-June. Despite the potentially lucrative financial rewards that come with being an NFL kicker, McAtamney remains focused on his passion for the sport, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded and concentrating on performing well.

As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, McAtamney’s ultimate goal is to have a long and successful tenure kicking in the NFL, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport. With determination and dedication, he is poised to make a significant impact with the New York Giants.