Swatragh’s Jude McAtamney converts two kicks for New York Giants on NFL debut

The 24-year-old former Derry U-20 football star became the first man from Northern Ireland to score in the NFL in the second quarter of match at the Met Life Stadium, when added the extra point following Daniel Jones’ touchdown throw to Chris Manhertz.

In the third quarter, he added a 31-yard field goal. He had no further chances to add to his tally, with the Giants opting for two-point conversions rather than attempt a kick after their next two touchdowns as they chased the game.

On both occasions, quarterback Jones failed to find his man as Washington secured victory.

Before Sunday, McAtamney had spent the season on the Giants’ practice squad, thanks to the extra spot created by the International Player Pathway. He was elevated to the active roster for the week nine clash after regular kicker Greg Joseph was ruled out through injury.

McAtamney took up kicking during the Covid-19 pandemic having been inspired by the news that David Shanahan from Kerry would be playing in the college game for Georgia Tech.

McAtamney worked with a coaching from the same ProKick coach in Utah that helped Shanahan progress. The Derryman impressed enough that they placed him with a division two school, the Chowan Hawks in North Carolina.

By 2022 he was at a top-level school in Rutgers, who play in the high-standard Big 10 conference.

This season, McAtamney signed with the Giants and was retained on the practice squad before the injury to Joseph opened the door to the NFL for the Derry native.

Having been placed on injured reserve, Joseph is not able to feature in a game until the Giants host the New Orleans Saints on 8 December. This means McAtamney should get further opportunities this month, with games against the Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys still to be played this month.