Irish Kicker Mark McNamee Joins Green Bay Packers NFL Roster

Irish kicker Mark McNamee has signed with the Green Bay Packers as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) programme, becoming the team's backup kicker after Australian Alex Hales' departure. McNamee, a former Gaelic football goalkeeper for Ballyboden St Endas, impressed at the NFL Combine and spent time with the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League before joining the Packers. He occupies the international player spot on Green Bay's offseason roster and will have a chance to showcase his skills during training camp. McNamee joins fellow Irish kicker Dan Whelan on the Packers roster, while other Irish kickers such as Jude McAtamney and Charlie Smyth are active in the NFL with the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints, respectively. The IPP programme has expanded to include specialists like kickers and has previously produced notable players such as Jordan Mailata. McNamee's signing highlights the growing pipeline of Gaelic football athletes transitioning to the NFL through the IPP.