Rory Beggan and Mark Jackson pursue NFL dream with Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers try-outs

With several future tryouts, Rory Beggan and Mark Jackson are chasing their NFL dreams. Returned to the United States to leave their imprint on American football are the former goalkeepers for Monaghan and Wicklow, respectively.

These two, along with former Down goalie Charlie Smyth and former Connacht rugby player Darrah Leader, participated in the NFL international combine in Indianapolis in March with the intention of trying out for the NFL as punters and kickers.

Beggan, 31, is off to North Carolina in an effort to make an impression on the Carolina Panthers, while Jackson, 25, will play this weekend for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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The lads, who participated in this year’s tournament and went back to their county setups, intend to emulate Smyth, 23, who inked a three-year contract with the New Orleans Saints.

Began and Jackson are vying for a full-time contract through the NFL International Pathway Program during rookie minicamps. On a pro day in Florida, Jackson made an impression on the Steelers, who are looking for a rookie kicker.

In June, Belfast and Cork will play home to two American football camps hosted by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Current Steelers players will oversee the program and provide coaching on skills and methods such as flag football drills and instruction.

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