Rory Beggan: Monaghan keeper signs for NFL agent with Charlie Smyth and Darragh Leader

GAA goalkeepers Rory Beggan and Charlie Smyth were impressive at the NFL Combine trialsInpho

GAA goalkeepers Rory Beggan and Charlie Smyth were impressive at the NFL Combine trials

Rory Beggan, Charlie Smyth and Darragh Leader have taken a step closer to securing American football contracts after signing with an NFL agency.

Monaghan GAA goalkeeper Beggan and Down youngster Smyth have signed for ProStar Sports after impressing at the NFL Combine as kickers.

Former Connacht full-back Leader has also been signed to the agency.

The trio are looking to earn lucrative contracts as punters through the NFL's international player pathway (IPP).

From the new season, which begins in September, all 32 NFL teams must have at least one international player on their books. The IPP aims to discover new talent and expand American football's global reach.

After garnering initial intertest from teams after the Combine - an event in Indianapolis where college graduates showcase their talents - Beggan, Smyth and Leader will take part in a 'pro day' in Florida on 20 March as teams continue to scout their potential as punters.

Paul Sheehy, president of the ProStar Sports Agency, said he was excited to sign the trio as they look to secure contracts.

Wicklow's Mark Jackson, who also attended the Combine, was not mentioned by Sheehy.

The agency represents three-time Super Bowl winner Harrison Butker, who broke two records with the Kansas City Chiefs in February's Super Bowl win over the San Francisco 49ers.

Butker kicked the longest field goal in a Super Bowl at 57 yards and the most field goals in a Super Bowl with nine.

In January, Green Bay Packers punter Dan Whelan became the first Irish-born player to play in the NFL play-offs for 41 years.

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