Jude McAtameny: Ex-Derry GAA player joins New York Giants in NFL

Former Derry Under-20s midfielder Jude McAtameny has signed with NFL side the New York Giants.

Following the NFL draft last week – where the game’s best college prospects are selected by the league’s 32 franchises – McAtameny has signed with the four-time Super Bowl winners as a free agent.

The kicker, who won an Ulster Under-20s title with the Oak Leafers, will now compete with Graham Gano for a roster spot.

Gano, a Scottish-born 37-year-old, has been the Giants’ starter for the past four years but saw his 2023 season curtailed through injury.

McAtameny played two college seasons for Rutgers University who, like the Giants, are based in New Jersey.

Former Down GAA goalkeeper Charlie Smyth last month penned a deal with the New Orleans Saints.

Wexford punter Daniel Whelan made the Green Bay Packers roster last season, becoming the first Irish-born player in the NFL for 38 years.