From Doubt to Triumph: Jude McAtamney's Journey to the NFL

Jude McAtamney, the New York Giants kicker, had a journey to the NFL that was anything but straightforward. Initially doubting his college football career's potential, McAtamney found himself at a crossroads as he approached the Rutgers University pro day.

After spending the first year at Chowan University in North Carolina, he transferred to Rutgers, where he honed his skills. Yet, in his final year, he faced a demotion from being the primary kicker. This transition was difficult for him to accept and left him uncertain about his NFL prospects. "It was a bitter pill to swallow," he recalled.

Sitting in his apartment in New Brunswick, McAtamney expressed to his girlfriend his reluctance to attend the pro day. "I said to my girlfriend, 'I'm not going to do this, I just don’t want to'," he confessed. His insecurities compounded by homesickness made him feel that he didn’t have what it took to impress NFL scouts.

Fortunately, his girlfriend persuaded him to seize the opportunity. Her encouragement turned out to be pivotal: "She told me to just do it, that I'd regret not doing it," he noted. Ultimately, his decision to push through led him to perform admirably during the pro day, paving the way for his entry into the NFL.

In his debut against the Washington Commanders, McAtamney successfully kicked a field goal and made an extra point, proving that his perseverance paid off. Looking back, he reflects on that moment as a significant turning point, recognizing the importance of seizing opportunities against all odds.

Listen to the GAA Social podcast to hear McAtamney discuss his remarkable journey from Swatragh to the iconic Giants Stadium.