Irish kicking quartet aiming to impress NFL pro day scouts

Four Irish athletes, including three leading GAA players, will today take to the field for further trials in front of NFL scouts.

The try-outs are part of the University of South Florida's NFL pro day. The Irish quartet, made up of Rory Beggan, Charlie Smyth, Mark Jackson and Darragh Leader, are all part of the NFL’s 15-strong IPP (International Player Pathway) Class of 2024.

After successfully performing at a recent combine in Indianapolis, this is another chance for them to showcase their kicking and punting skills. The IPP program offers elite international athletes a chance to earn a spot on an NFL roster.

The program started in 2017 and since then 37 graduates have agreed contracts with NFL teams, with five of those playing in the top-flight.

This year’s IPP program features 11 athletes from around the world, hailing from various sporting backgrounds including rugby, basketball, track, Gaelic football and Australian football, among others.

Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit is the marquee name trying out today - but the Irish athletes have impressed many scouts since their induction into the program.

After today’s camp ends, the IPP athletes will be eligible to fill a 17th practice squad roster spot across any of the 32 teams — an additional spot reserved for an international player.

In the past fortnight, three of the four Irish players – Beggan, Smyth and Leader - signed with the US-based ProStar sports agency.

"Today is another big day kicking in front of all the teams," explains Tadhg Leader, founder of Leader Kicking whose coaching academy has brought the Irish athletes to the attention of American football scouts and recruiters.

"What makes it a big day is that all the international players will be showcasing their