Jude McAtamney: From Gaelic Football to NFL Dreams

Jude McAtamney a former Gaelic footballer from Derry, Ireland, now ambitiously chases his NFL dream with the New York Giants. Growing up in Swatragh, McAtamney began his sports journey in Gaelic football. He achieved early success by winning an Ulster Under-20s title. However, in 2021, he took a bold step by moving to the United States to pursue a career in American football.

He began his journey with a scholarship at Chowan University in North Carolina, spending a year honing his skills. Afterward, he transferred to Rutgers University in New Jersey where he quickly secured the starting placekicker position. From that point, he set his sights firmly on a professional NFL career. After impressing at the NFL draft showcase by making all 10 of his kicks, McAtamney earned an invitation to train with the Giants.

Reflecting on his journey, he said, “At the start, I just tried to make the best impression I could, with no regrets.” Now on the Giants’ practice squad, McAtamney eagerly competes for a spot in one of the NFL’s top franchises. Moreover, he relishes the chance to share locker room space with legends like Eli Manning. He envisions a lasting NFL career, explaining, “I want to say I’ve had a six-plus-year career, whatever that looks like.”

Though the Giants recently bypassed him as a replacement for their injured kicker, opting instead for veteran Greg Joseph, McAtamney remains optimistic. He channels his energy into weekly preparations, treating each day as a valuable learning opportunity. “I’m ready when my chance comes,” he says confidently. “Every week, I’m learning and getting better.”

Reflecting on his roots, Jude McAtamney acknowledges Gaelic football’s deep impact on his ambitions. He fondly recalls wishing as a child that Gaelic football could become a professional sport. This aspiration has since fueled his drive to fully commit to American football. “I’m throwing every egg into this basket,” he says, ready to give his all for a breakthrough in the NFL.