Three former GAA players sign deals to stay on NFL practice squads

Kenneth Fox

Three former GAA players have been retained on NFL practice squads as teams gear up for the new season which starts next week.

Dubliner Mark McNamee (Ballyboden St Endas) will stay on with the Green Bay Packers, Charlie Smyth (Down GAA) remains at the New Orleans Saints and Jude McAtamney (Derry GAA) will be the backup kicker at the New York Giants.

Charlie Smyth was part of the NFL's International Pathway Program which acts a gateway for promising young talents around the world from countries such as Nigeria, France, Germany, The UK and Ireland.

Former Australian Rugby League player Jordan Mailata was part of the program and went on to win the Superbowl last year with the Philadelphia Eagles as the team's starting Left Tackle.

Jude McAtamney made his NFL debut with the Giants in 2024.