McNamee

Jude McAtamney, Charlie Smyth and Mark McNamee have missed out on making the final roster for their respective NFL teams, leaving them open to be picked up by another franchise.

Former Gaelic footballers McAtamney, Smyth and McNamee were waived by the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packers.

McAtamney lost out to veteran Graham Gano as the New York Giants finalised their 53-man roster for the new season, which begins next week.

The County Derry man handled all kicking duties in the pre-season victories over the New York Jets and New England Patriots, kicking 10 extra points and a field goal between both games, while playing in the second half of the pre-season opener against the Buffalo Bills.

Last season, McAtamney was called from the practice squad into the Giants team for the regular season game against the Washington Commanders when Gano sustained an injury and the New York franchise may wish to recall him to the practice squad for the coming season if his pre-season form does not attract an offer from another team.

County Down’s Smyth missed out on the New Orleans Saints’ final roster for the second season with Blake Grupe again selected at number one.

Smyth, however, is eligible to return to the practice squad in the international player exemption slot.

Irish kicker Mark McNamee made his debut for the Green Bay Packers just a day after landing in the United States.

The Dubliner took all three kick-offs for the Packers in a 30-10 NFL pre-season defeat to the New York Jets on Saturday.

The 25-year-old was part of the 2025 International Player Pathway programme and signed a contract with the Packers in July.

Despite this, his arrival in Wisconsin was delayed as he waited to be granted a visa, which he received last week, leading to him landing in the US the night before the game.

“I landed at about 11pm [the night before the game],” he told reporters after the game.

“The Packers and the immigration lawyers have been great with me in just getting it done, it’s not an easy thing to get a visa. It felt like a long time, but it was only two weeks. It was really quick and I’m really grateful to be here.

“It feels like it’s the beginning, it’s a good moment for me and my family.”

Elsewhere, Derry native Jude McAtamney kicked a 43-yard field goal and an extra point in the New York Giants’ 34-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.