The National Football League (NFL) has welcomed two promising Irish athletes, Mark McNamee and Ross Bolger, into its 2025 International Player Pathway (IPP) program. This initiative continues to bridge the gap between international talent and the high-paced world of American football.

Meet the Duo

• Mark McNamee, a 25-year-old former Gaelic football player from Dublin's Ballyboden St Enda's, has transitioned to American football with aspirations of excelling at the professional level.
• Ross Bolger, 23, brings experience as a punter/kicker from Idaho State University, following a successful college football career and his roots in Laois under-20 Gaelic football.

The athletes showcased their skills at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, impressing scouts with their athleticism and potential.

The IPP Program

Established in 2017, the IPP program is designed to provide elite international athletes with opportunities to:

• Develop their skills
• Compete at the NFL level
• Secure a spot on an NFL roster

Joining McNamee and Bolger in the 2025 IPP class are German punter Bastian Roppelt, German kicker Lenny Krieg, and Italian kicker Jonata Loria, rounding out a diverse and talented group.

Irish Success in the NFL

This duo aims to follow in the footsteps of Charlie Smyth, a former Down Gaelic footballer who earned a place on the New Orleans Saints' practice squad through the IPP program in 2024. Additionally, Jude McAtamney made history in November 2024 as the first Irish-born placekicker to feature in a regular-season NFL game since 1985, debuting with the New York Giants.

NFL in Ireland

In a landmark move, the NFL confirmed that the first regular-season game in Ireland will take place at Dublin's Croke Park in autumn 2025, with the Pittsburgh Steelers as the host team. This further cements the growing relationship between Ireland and American football.

With their dedication and talent, McNamee and Bolger are poised to make Ireland proud on the NFL stage.