Derry’s Jude McAtamney Pursues NFL Career as Kicker for New York Giants

Jude McAtamney discussed his training experience with the New York Giants. “I have Eli Manning’s locker. Every now and again I have to pinch myself, and say, you’re actually here.” In 2018, Jude McAtamney was among numerous young Gaelic footballers aspiring to reach the sport’s highest level. The Swatragh native subsequently secured the Ulster Under-20s title with his native Derry, appearing destined for a career in inter-county football. However, three years later, his ambitions in elite athletics led him across the Atlantic to the American college football system at Rutgers University in New Jersey. By 2024, the 24-year-old is now contending for a spot on the New York Giants’ matchday roster as a placekicker, having targeted a career in the NFL. During his competitive debut against Washington, McAtamney successfully converted two out of two kicks in a 27-22 loss. He appears poised to play in upcoming weeks following injuries sustained by starting kickers Greg Joseph and Graham Gano. “Once I got here, the aim short-term was to make the team,” McAtamney told BBC Sport NI. “But a long-term goal, looking back, I want to say that I’ve had a six-plus year [career] in the NFL, whatever that looks like.” He further stated: “That is the goal, I’m going to try and play for as long as I can.” He added, “I think you have to have that mindset to even be comfortable being here because it’s that competitive.” McAtamney’s collegiate football career commenced in 2021 with the Chowan Hawks, following his acceptance of a scholarship to attend Chowan University in North Carolina. The subsequent year, he transferred to Rutgers, securing a position as the starting placekicker. McAtamney participated in two college seasons for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. His professional aspirations advanced significantly after he impressed at the NFL draft, converting all 10 of his kicks, leading to an invitation to train with the New York Giants. “At the start in May, I was just trying to make as good of an impression as I could, put everything out there, have no regrets, and see where I fall,” McAtamney recounted. “And luckily enough, I was called back for the beginning of the season.” Currently, McAtamney is a member of the practice squad for one of the largest NFL franchises in the United States. “The first couple of years at college were tough, but getting experience in college, I think it definitely prepared me for coming here.” He continued, “Every now and again I would stop and look around and say, just be grateful and thankful that you’re here and trying to enjoy each day that I get, because not every week’s guaranteed, so I take every blessing as it comes.” He added, “And even just being around the lads in here, they make me feel at home, like a home away from home, so I’m very happy, and the kicking, it’s very enjoyable.” He concluded, “Obviously there’s challenges along the way, but I’ve been loving it so far.” McAtamney has participated in pre-season games for the Giants but has not yet made his competitive NFL debut. However, McAtamney recognizes that his primary challenge—securing a competitive NFL debut for the four-time Super Bowl champions—remains. This goal appeared more achievable when Giants’ starting placekicker Graham Gano was sidelined in September due to a hamstring injury. Nevertheless, McAtamney’s prospects diminished when Gano was replaced by Detroit Lions kicker Greg Joseph. “I’m controlling what I can control,” he stated. “I was ready to play at the time, not to say I should have played but personally I felt I was ready. I’m just preparing every week to be ready, even if I’m not playing.” He added, “Every week is a learning opportunity, and I feel like I’m learning and getting better as time goes on.” He noted, “The underlying goal of trying to make it professionally was something that I was hungry for.” He reflected, “I look back at Gaelic at home and as a young kid, I know a lot of people will disagree, but I wanted Gaelic to be professional as a kid, because like that’s what I love doing, but it’s just not that way.” He concluded, “So this came up, and I was like I’m throwing every egg into this basket.”