Derry's Jude McAtamney moves a step closer to NFL debut for New York Giants

An opportunity of a lifetime for Swatragh's Jude McAtamney is on the horizon in New York.

Starting kicker for the New York Giants Graham Gano will reportedly be out for a number of weeks after injuring his hamstring in the Giants' loss against the Washington Commanders at the weekend.

Gano injured himself during the opening kickoff, with punter Jamie Gillian filling in on the day as McAtamney was not active.

A former Derry Under-20 player, McAtamney won an Ulster title in 2020, before moving to the United States to play with Rutgers University.

McAtamney recently graduated from Rutgers in New Jersey, where he was an honours student majoring in labor and employment relations.

In his first season with Rutgers, McAtamney made 12 out of 18 field goal attempts, with his longest attempt from 49 yards, as well as making 23 out of 24 extra-point attempts.

In his second year, the Swatragh man was used primarily on kick-offs, making a school record 40 touchbacks during the season.

The Derry man impressed during a pro day with the Giants and was signed as part of the International Player Pathway, which allows international players to be part of a team for up to a period of three years.

Down's Charlie Smyth of the New Orleans Saints is in a similar position, awaiting his chance. Now it seems that the Swatragh man has an open opportunity in New York.

This is not the first time in recent months that Gano has been injured with the Giants. Last year, the kicker missed the end of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

In his debut with the Giants in preseason, McAtamney scored both field goal attempts, becoming the first Irish-born player for the historic New York franchise. In his moments during preseason, McAtamney has looked calm and