"Giants Kicker gonna have to fly home on Southwest": Jason Kelce calls out Jude McAtamney after missed extra point kicks prove costly vs. Broncos

Jason Kelce reacts to Jude McAtamney
Jason Kelce reacts to Jude McAtamney's struggles vs. Broncos

Jude McAtamney can arguably be called the scapegoat for the New York Giants' stunning 33-32 loss at the Denver Broncos on Sunday, despite a 19-0 lead entering the fourth quarter, missing half of his extra-point attempts. And Jason Kelce subscribes to the notion.

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He shared this since-deleted post on his social media on Sunday:

"This Denver vs. NY game has been insane. I mean, gut-wrenching feeling. Giants Kicker is gonna have to fly home on Southwest..."
Jason Kelce's now-deleted post
Jason Kelce's now-deleted post

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The second of McAtamney's misses came within the final minute of the game after a Jaxson Dart rushing touchdown. The Broncos won on the next drive with a field goal by Wil Lutz as time expired.

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After the game, the Irishman expressed shock and took responsibility:

“Honestly, when it came off my foot I thought it was good. ... I stuck to my process, went for a kick in the target and just pushed it right. That’s on me. Gotta make the kicks, I’m not going to shy away from that. I take full responsibility -- I’m a professional kicker, gotta be able to make those. It’s as simple as that.”
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Who is Jude McAtamney? A brief profile of Giants kicker

Born in Derry, Jude McAtamney followed in his grandfather's footsteps by playing Gaelic football alongside his six brothers, helping his hometown win the Ulster Under-20 Championship in 2018.

In 2020, he decided to convert to gridiron football after learning that compatriot David Shanahan had accepted a scholarship from Georgia Tech. After a conversation, the punter referred him to ProKick Australia, but he did not begin his transition until the following year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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He accepted a scholarship from a Division II program, Chowan, and went perfect on 47 extra-point attempts, while making six field goals. After the 2021 season, he entered the transfer portal, ultimately signing with Rutgers.

McAtamney would prove to be the Scarlet Knights' leading scorer, going 12-for-18 on field goals and missing only one of his extra-point attempts. He also covered 2,787 yards on 47 kickoffs, with 17 touchbacks. He was replaced in the scoring role in 2023 by Jai Patel but remained on kickoffs, setting a program record 40 touchbacks.

He went undrafted in 2024 but joined the Giants as a UDFA under the International Player Pathway Program. He made his debut in Week 9 against the Washington Commanders, scoring an extra point and a field goal. At season's end, he signed a reserve/futures contract.

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Edited by Andre Castillo
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