Derry's Jude McAtamney looks set to make his NFL debut this weekend with the New York Giants.
24-year-old McAtamney established himself as a reliable placekicker with New Jersey college Rutgers University, who he joined in 2022.
His exploits at college level put him on the radar of several NFL teams, with the New York Giants taking particular interest in the Northern Irish prospect.
Though he was not drafted in the NFL Draft, he would later be snapped up by the Giants as an international player, taking a practice spot on their roster.
The former Derry U20 Gaelic footballer now looks set to make his first appearance for the Giants this weekend.
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Derry's Jude McAtamney in line for New York Giants NFL debut
3 June 2018; Peadar Mogan of Donegal in action against Jude McAtamney of Derry during the Eirgrid Ulster GAA Football U20 Championship Quarter Final match between Derry and Donegal at Healy Park in Omagh, Co Tyrone. Photo by Philip Fitzpatrick/Sportsfile
The New York Giants are suffering from something of an injury crisis at placekicker. Regular first-choice Graham Gano was ruled out with a long-term hamstring injury earlier in the season, prompting the Giants to jump for Greg Joseph.
Ahead of this weekend's visit from the Commanders, Joseph has now also picked up an injury, meaning that Derry's Jude McAtamney is set to start against Washington in MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
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.
McAtamney arrived in the United States with an impressive background in Gaelic football. He had previously lined out for the Derry U20 inter-county team, winning an Ulster title in 2020 before departing for his American football adventure.
He will hope to help the Giants arrest their dour early season form. Just two wins from eight games have the Giants rooted to the bottom of the AFC East division with almost half the season played. A win against the Commanders - top of the AFC East division - could result in a big momentum swing for the New Yorkers.
Next weekend sees them play in the final overseas game of the season against the Carolina Panthers in Munich. The Panthers are the only team in the AFC with a worse record thus far than the Giants, so there may well be a big result for McAtamney and his team next weekend.
Sunday evening will be a massive occasion for Jude McAtamney, Derry, and Irish sports fans. The New York Giants host the Washington Commanders, with kick-off at 6pm Irish time.
