Rory Beggan and Mark Jackson are pursuing their NFL dream this weekend
Beggan's Monaghan are a week out from their opening All-Ireland group stage clash with Kerry
Rory Beggan and Mark Jackson are back in the US - trying out for their NFL dream.
A week out from Monaghan's opening All-Ireland series clash with Kerry, their hugely influential goalkeeper Beggan is North Carolina-bound in an attempt to impress the Carolina Panthers.
Meanwhile Jackson, who is Wicklow's netminder, will be with the Pittsburgh Steelers this weekend.
READ MORE:Charlie Smyth on "surreal" journey from school teacher to the NFL
Both are hoping to follow in the footsteps of 23-year-old Down keeper Charlie Smyth, who signed on with the New Orleans Saints on a three-year deal in March.
AllStar winner Beggan (31) and Jackson (25), along with Down keeper Smyth and former Connacht rugby player Darragh Leader, were in Indianapolis the previous month trying out as NFL kickers and punters at the NFL Combine.
While the pair returned to their county set-ups and have played in this year's championship, they are still ambitious to make it across the Atlantic and are competing at rookie mini-camps for a full-time contract via the NFL International Pathway Programme.
In Jackson's case, the Steelers are searching for a rookie kicker after English prospect Travis Clayton was signed by the Buffalo Bills and the Baltinglass man impressed the Steelers on a pro day in Florida, hence the invitation.
Jackson has Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker's agent Rob Roche seeking Stateside opportunities for him.
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