Jude McAtamney became the first Irish player to score in the NFL in 39 years when he landed an extra point after making his debut for the New York Giants on Sunday in their match against the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium.
Washington won the game 27-22 despite a late rally from the Giants, which included a 31-yard field goal from McAtamney in the third quarter.
The opportunity has arisen for the former Derry under-20 footballer after kickers Greg Joseph (abdomen) and Graham Gano (hamstring) suffered injuries, allowing the 24-year-old rookie to be promoted to the main roster.
Neil O’Donoghue was the last Irish player to score a point in the NFL during his time with the St Louis Cardinals in the 1985 season.
McAtamney impressed the Giants with his performances for Rutgers University in New Jersey and in April was signed through the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme. McAtamney joins Green Bay Packers punter Daniel Whelan as an active Irish player in the league.
The Giants have now slumped to a 2-7 record while Washington continue their impressive season and improve to 7-2.
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