Duo revisit bid to land NFL roles
RORY BEGGAN and Mark Jackson are back in the USA trying out for their NFL dream.
A week out from Monaghan’s opening All-ireland series clash against Kerry, their hugely influential goalkeeper Beggan is in North Carolina attempting to impress the Carolina Panthers.
Meanwhile Jackson, who is Wicklow’s No.1, is with the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend.
Both are hoping to follow in the footsteps of 23-year-old Down keeper Charlie Smyth who signed with the New Orleans Saints on a three-year deal in March.
All Star winner Beggan, 31, and 25-year-old
Jackson – along with Down keeper Smyth and former Connacht rugby player Darragh Leader – had been in Indianapolis the previous month trying out as NFL kickers and punters at the NFL Combine.
While the pair returned to their county set-ups and have played in this year’s Championship, they are still ambitious to make it across the Atlantic.
They are competing at rookie mini-camps for a full-time contract via the NFL International Pathway Programme.
In Jackson’s case, the Steelers are searching for a rookie kicker after English prospect Travis Clayton was signed by the Buffalo Bills.
Baltinglass man Jackson impressed the Steelers on a pro day in Florida, hence the invitation.
Jackson has also got Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker’s agent
Rob Roche seeking Stateside opportunities for him.