Jude McAtamney, the New York Giants’ kicker, hails from a large, close-knit family of seven brothers, making his journey to the NFL even more remarkable. At 26 years old, McAtamney became the first Irish-born player to start an NFL game since Neil O’Donoghue in 1986, bringing enormous pride to the McAtamney family from Swatragh, Northern Ireland.
McAtamney’s brother Conor, a former Derry senior football player, proudly shared the family’s support as he and brother Gary traveled to MetLife Stadium to witness Jude kick successfully against the Philadelphia Eagles, a crucial victory for the Giants. “From a young age, he showed he had a big kick,” Conor remarked, recalling how Jude excelled at kicking during his early years, shining even among his talented brothers.
Jude’s path to the NFL has taken him from a kicking school in Australia to Chowan High School in North Carolina, and then to Rutgers University. The journey culminated in his signing with the Giants, where he competes for one of the 32 coveted field goal kicking positions in professional football. After stepping in for the injured Graham Gano, McAtamney thrived under pressure, successfully making four extra point kicks during his debut against the Eagles.
While McAtamney faced stiff competition with the signing of Younghoe Koo from the Atlanta Falcons, he proved his mettle by showcasing his skills during practices. His promotion from the practice squad to the active roster highlights both the intense pressure and the rewarding nature of professional sports. While salaries for practice squad players range between $190,000 and $330,000 per year, active roster players like McAtamney earn a minimum of $720,000 annually.
Despite the high stakes, Conor noted that McAtamney is maintaining his composure under pressure. “He seems to be taking it all in his stride,” he stated, emphasizing Jude’s understanding of the job at hand. In a field where performance is constantly scrutinized, each kicker must not only demonstrate skill but also resilience, as even the best can miss kicks.
With the Giants preparing to face the Broncos, the excitement surrounding McAtamney continues to build. His ability to handle the pressures of the NFL, combined with a strong family support system, sets an encouraging tone for his career moving forward. As he navigates the challenges of professional football, the McAtamney family stands firmly behind him, ready to cheer on their brother as he strives to establish himself in the league.