New York Giants: Former Derry Under-20s player Jude McAtamney makes his NFL debut for New York Giants

Jude McAtamney becomes first player from Derry to play in the NFL

Jude McAtamney fulfilled a lifetime dream on Sunday when he played for New York Giants in their 19-16 win over Carolina Panthers at MetLife Stadium.

The 24-year-old played at D-II Limestone University in South Carolina, having moved to the United States in 2018.

The offensive lineman made his NFL debut in the fourth quarter of his team’s season-opening victory.

He moved to the United States on a soccer scholarship but quickly switched to American football after impressing a coach with his physicality.

McAtamney received an invite to the Giants’ rookie minicamp in May and made a strong enough impression to earn a place on the practice squad.

When asked how it felt to make his NFL debut, McAtamney said he was - “Lost for words to be honest - just so proud and honoured to have played in my first NFL game.”

The highlights of his career so far include playing for Ireland in the Summer Olympics qualifying tournament last year and starting all four games for the Wolfhounds at the World Games in Alabama.

McAtamney becomes the first player from Derry to play in the NFL and is the second Irish player on the New York Giants after Kerry native Kerryon Johnson.

Well done to Jude from everyone at the Derry GAA. We look forward to seeing what he does next in his football career.