Former Derry U-20s goalkeeper the latest Irish player to sign American football contract

A former Derry Under-20s goalkeeper is the latest Irishman to sign an American football contract after joining Rutgers University as a kicker.

Jack Scullion will fly to New Jersey for next season, replacing the NFL-bound Jude McAtamney, who signed for the New York Giants. 

The Lavey clubman is currently in the US training with the Rutgers roster ahead of the new season, but Scullion will also study quantity surveying alongside his playing duties.

The former St Patrick’s Maghera pupil was called up to the Derry senior panel under Rory Gallagher but has now decided to try his luck Stateside after impressing kicking coach Tadhg Leader.

Scullion posted this news on Instagram, with the 21-year-old excited to embrace his new chapter.

He wrote: “I’m pleased to announce that I have signed for Big 10 D1 college team @rfootball on a full scholarship as a kicker!

“I appreciate all the support back home from family and friends over the last couple of weeks. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone for their messages of support.

“I want to thank all the coaching staff at Rutgers especially to coach Allen for making me feel so welcome since I’ve been here, I can’t wait to get started.”