Dean Rock, an ex-Dublin footballer, had the opportunity to test for a kicking deal in US football, an event held in London and coordinated by Tadhg Leader, a former Connacht rugby player and the originator of Leader Kicking. An invitation to the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis followed and concluded with Charlie Smyth, an ex-Down goalie, securing a contract with New Orleans Saints.
Furthermore, senior county goalkeepers from Monaghan (Rory Beggan) and Wicklow (Mark Jackson) also took part and are on standby, already having rejoined their county teams ahead of the first weekend of the football championship.
When quizzed about interest from US football-based quarters, Rock retorted:
“There was a possibility for me to travel to London, but I elected not to. In the future, it is plausible that youthful players will start exploring these opportunities. It allows them to chase their dreams. After all, who would object? The skill sets required for kicking in both Gaelic and American football are quite similar. The players performing the kicks could show high merit.”
Further questioned whether he had been invited to Leader’s kicking camp, he responded, “Indeed. My decision was negative. I am too aged for this!”
He made these remarks during a roundtable debate on the championship game. Other notable individuals present included the long-term columnist Darragh Ó Sé from Kerry, Rock, (who will be appearing weekly as a columnist from the 13th of April) and Michael Murphy from Donegal, who will similarly be launching a weekly column commencing on the 8th of April.