Two Irish Kickers Set Their Sights on NFL Glory: Meet McNamee and Bolger

Rising Stars in American Football

Mark McNamee from Wicklow and Ross Bolger from Laois are the latest Irish hopefuls aspiring to make their mark in the NFL as kickers. With only two Irish kickers currently in the league, the potential for their numbers to double is on the horizon.

Image source: Inpho/Getty Images

A New Wave of Talent

Historically, there hadn't been an Irish kicker in the NFL for 37 years until Charlie Smyth and Jude McAtamney broke the drought last season. Both McNamee and Bolger come from gaelic football backgrounds and are now part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme. They will showcase their skills at the upcoming Pro Day on March 26, where NFL scouts will evaluate their performance.

Underdogs with Big Dreams

Both athletes have shown promising skills, especially at the recent NFL Combine, where McNamee excelled in his kicking attempts, while Bolger succeeded in 12 out of 14 kicks. They recognize their position as underdogs in the international class, which drives them to work harder to impress the scouts.

The Journey to the NFL

Unlike McNamee, who transitioned directly from gaelic football to the IPP programme, Bolger honed his skills during a two-year college stint at Idaho State University. He attributes his confidence to the guidance of Irish kicking coach Tadhg Leader and the competitive environment of American college football.

The Technical Shift

Both kickers have faced the challenge of adapting their techniques from gaelic to American football. McNamee has improved his kicking technique, likening it to perfecting a golf swing, while Bolger emphasizes strength training to enhance his kicking distance. Both are focused on refining their technique to make a successful transition to the NFL.

Inspiration from Peers

As they prepare for the Pro Day, McNamee and Bolger draw inspiration from Smyth and McAtamney, who paved the way for them. Their journey reflects the potential for Irish talent in the NFL, and they are determined to seize this unbelievable opportunity to showcase their skills and possibly secure a spot in the league.