After Down native Charlie Smyth recently signed for the New Orleans Saints, it seems that the NFL are keen to make their mark in Ireland during this year's draft.
The league is certainly asserting their brand in this part of the world, rebranding their NFL UK social media accounts to also include Ireland. As well as that, they have made plenty of noise about other natives from this country following Smyth's path down the International Player Programme over the coming years.
Plenty of teams are also keen to become part of this process, something became clear during the latter rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
READ HERE: Greg O'Shea To Make NFL Draft Pick For NY Jets From Dublin
Kerry's Paudie Clifford makes appearance during NFL Draft
It was revealed yesterday that the New York Jets would make a pick live from Dublin during this year's NFL Draft, with Greg O'Shea the one to announce it.
However, it turns out that he was not the only Irish sports star would make an appearance.
Kerry footballer Paudie Clifford would also pop up on the broadcast, announcing that the Pittsburgh Steelers were taking Mason McComrick from South Dakota State with the 119th pick of the draft.
ANOTHER! The @steelers pick coming all the way from County Kerry! 🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/d09Prc6Yzg
— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) April 27, 2024
They were not the only team to make a pick from Ireland.
The Jacksonville Jaguars would have one of their picks come live from the Sport Ireland Campus. This one was actually the first to be made in Ireland.
The first EVER draft pick live from the Emerald Isle! 🇮🇪@JaguarsUKandIE International Fan of the Year @IrishJaguar, take it away! pic.twitter.com/shq023R21T
— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) April 27, 2024
Greg O'Shea would make his appearance soon after.
A trio of Irish picks! This time the @nyjets beam a pick live from Dublin ✈️🇮🇪 pic.twitter.com/LdpnLCRkio
— NFL UK & Ireland (@NFLUKIRE) April 27, 2024
This is an example of how serious the NFL are about making real inroads into Ireland, something that could eventually lead to a game being played on these shores.
Croke Park has been earmarked as a potential future venue for a regular season NFL game, and with league commissioner Roger Goodell announcing an expansion of their international schedule, the prospect may not be all that farfetched.
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