Jackson still hopeful of NFL contract offer

Wicklow goalkeeper Mark Jackson is still hopeful of landing an NFL contract and said his return to Ireland is not a sign that his American football dream has come to an end.

The Baltinglass man participated in the 2024 International Player Pathway and performed excellently in front of scouts at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis as well as the University of South Florida’s NFL pro day.

While Charlie Smyth signed papers with the New Orleans Saints, Jackson returned home without a club but he is hoping for better news to arrive in the coming weeks from agent Rob Roche.

He continues to participate in practice kicking sessions in Dublin while a return to Wicklow training is also keeping him sharp.

“I’m back in Ireland for the time being, just staying ready for hopefully when the call comes,” he told RTÉ Sport.

“Before I left there were a couple of teams showing interest but nothing concrete as of now.

“I’m hoping that after the draft (25-27 April) comes around and when the rosters are starting to take a bit more shape, hopefully the call will come then.”

“I’m still training away, albeit on the other side of the world. If a team calls I will be over in a day or two days’ time, if a medical is needed or whatever,” he continued.

“He [Roche] is working behind the scenes, dealing with the teams over there, seeing who is interested in specialists on their roster. There are IPP slots open, it’s just a bit of a waiting game.

“It’s tough not knowing what’s going to happen or when it will happen. We’re in the dark as much as everyone else but you’re just hopeful you’ve done enough to catch the eye of a couple of teams over there.”

While Jackson was training with Oisín McConville’s side ahead of their Leinster campaign, he wasn’t in the matchday squad for their victory over Westmeath last Sunday and is unlikely to be included for their clash with Kildare this weekend.

“Oisín has been brilliant about it. I think it was a day or two before I came home, me and Oisín had a phone call and we put out on the table what was happening.

“I told him I’d be open to coming back in and helping out and being part of training. If there’s any way I can help the two other lads [Shane Doyle and Cathal Fitzgerald] or the team, or throw any experience to the team, I’m here to do it.

“All we want is for Wicklow football to do well and if I can be part of that in any way I’d be delighted.”

Jackson also hopes that Smyth’s move to the Saints can unplug the dam for the other IPP hopefuls.

“Charlie’s worked as hard as anyone so it was well deserved. He’ll go over there next week and take it with two hands.

“Hopefully it’ll open the gates for the rest of us.

“Charlie was obviously high on the radar for a lot of teams so with him gone to the Saints, hopefully there’s more teams looking at what other kickers are out there. I’m sure me and Rory [Beggan] aren’t too far away.”

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