Mark Jackson, a 25-year-old Irish athlete from Baltinglass, is making waves at the Pittsburgh Steelers rookie minicamp as he vies for a spot on the team as a kicker. Jackson, who hails from just over an hour southwest of Dublin, brings a unique background in Gaelic football to the American football field.
Having never kicked an American football until six months ago, Jackson's journey to the NFL began when he was scouted by Tadhg Leader for the NFL's International Pathway Program. After training in Florida and impressing at a Pro Day, Jackson earned an invitation to Pittsburgh by winning the team's American Football Kicking Clinic in Dublin.
Despite his lack of experience with American football, Jackson's skills from Gaelic football, a sport that involves elements of soccer, rugby, and basketball, have shown promise. His ability to kick the ball directly off the ground through uprights has drawn attention, with Jackson boasting a strong leg and a reported field goal range of up to 70 yards.
While adjusting to the nuances of American football kicking, such as working with a snapper and holder and mastering the smaller sweet spot on the ball, Jackson remains focused on proving himself in the NFL. With a desire to secure a spot on the Steelers' roster, Jackson is determined to make the most of his opportunity and contribute to the team's success.
As interest in the NFL grows in Ireland, fueled in part by the Steelers' popularity and the country's success in rugby, Jackson sees his potential NFL career as a way to further promote the sport in his homeland. With aspirations to be a part of the NFL's expansion in Ireland, Jackson is eager to represent his country on the international stage.
