Derry man signs NFL deal with New York Giants

Derry-born Jude McAtamney. Picture: @Michael_NFL X screengrab

Donnchadh Boyle

Another former GAA player is on the books of an NFL franchise after Derry-born Jude McAtamney was picked up by the New York Giants on Monday afternoon.

The former Oak Leaf underage player has been in the US for a number of years pursuing a career as a kicker in American football, most recently playing with Rutgers University who are based in New Jersey.

And today it was announced that the Swatragh man, who won an Ulster U20 title with Derry in 2018, has been added to the Giants set as an UDFA (Undrafted Free Agent).

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McAtamney joins Down native Charlie Smyth in the NFL after he recently signed a deal with the New Orleans Saints.

It’s also expected this could be an important week for the likes of Rory Beggan, Charlie Smyth and Darragh Leader, who came through the NFL’s International Player Pathway alongside Smyth.

With the completion of the draft over the weekend, it’s expected that franchises will backfill their rosters and practice squads.

New rules coming into force for the coming season state each team must have at least one ‘international player’.