Irish Kickers Charlie Smyth and Jude McAtamney Face NFL Setbacks Ahead of 2024 Season
In a disappointing turn of events for Irish NFL hopefuls Charlie Smyth and Jude McAtamney, both players have been released from their respective teams just ahead of the 2024 NFL season. Smyth, who had been competing for a spot with the New Orleans Saints, and McAtamney, who was trying to make the roster for the New York Giants, were unable to secure places on their teams' final 53-man rosters.
Charlie Smyth, a former Down Gaelic football goalkeeper, had shown immense promise after coming through the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program. His performance in the preseason included a game-winning 37-yard field goal against the Arizona Cardinals, which highlighted his potential and earned him significant praise from both fans and coaches. Despite these impressive displays, Smyth was ultimately beaten out by Blake Grupe, the Saints' incumbent kicker, who had an impeccable preseason.
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Jude McAtamney, a former Derry Under-20s Gaelic footballer, faced a similar fate with the New York Giants. McAtamney, who played college football at Rutgers University before joining the Giants, impressed during the preseason by successfully kicking two field goals, including a 43-yarder against the New York Jets. However, with veteran kicker Graham Gano firmly established as the Giants' first-choice kicker, McAtamney's chances of making the roster were always slim.
Both Smyth and McAtamney now enter the NFL waiver process, which allows other teams the opportunity to claim them and add them to their rosters. There is still hope that they could be picked up by another team, with the Green Bay Packers reportedly in need of a kicker, presenting a potential opportunity for either player.
If they go unclaimed during the waiver period, Smyth and McAtamney could still be re-signed to their respective teams’ practice squads. The practice squad route, especially under the IPP, would allow them to continue developing their skills and remain involved with the team, providing a possible path to eventual elevation to the main roster during the season.
The setbacks for Smyth and McAtamney are undoubtedly significant, but their NFL dreams are far from over. With their talent and the opportunities provided by the IPP, there remains a chance that these two Irish kickers could still find a way to make their mark in the NFL. As the waiver period unfolds and teams continue to assess their rosters, Smyth and McAtamney will be hoping that another door opens in their pursuit of an NFL career.
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