Rory Beggan, the goalkeeper from Monaghan, along with Mark Jackson, Wicklow’s goalkeeper, are set to audition for NFL teams over the weekend. As stated by NFL Ireland, Beggan is slated for the Carolina Panthers in North Carolina, and Jackson has his sights set on the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The pair were among four Irish sportsmen who journeyed to the U.S in February to test their abilities as kickers and punters in the NFL. After a trip to their training centre earlier that week, Charlie Smyth of Down was signed to a three-year contract by the New Orleans Saints. Despite not securing contracts initially and returning to their home championship intercounty teams, Beggan and Jackson are presented with a second chance to succeed across the pond.
Previously, the aspirants auditioned for all league teams in the NFL combine. Now, they are honing their focus on their respective teams as they engage in a mini-camp competition, hoping for a lucrative contract should they perform favourably in the NFL International Pathway Programme.