Mark Jackson grew up playing Gaelic football. He's taking a shot at the American kind in Pittsburgh

Tryout kicker Mark Jackson attends the Pittsburgh Steeler’s NFL rookie minicamp football practice in Pittsburgh , Friday, May 10, 2024. Tryout kickers Mark Jackson , left, and Caleb Shudak listen to instructions during the Pittsburgh Steeler’s NFL rookie minicamp football practice in Pittsburgh , Friday, May 10, 2024. Tryout kicker Mark Jackson attends the Pittsburgh Steeler’s NFL rookie minicamp football practice in Pittsburgh , Friday, May 10, 2024.

The way Jackson figures it, if he needs to translate a little bit to fit in, that’s fine. Just so long as the skills he’s honed while playing Gaelic football back home — think a mishmash of soccer and rugby with a touch of basketball — translate to the American version, too.

“When you’re a kid growing up in Ireland, the NFL is the furthest thing from your dreams,” Jackson said. “You could say it’s a dream but you don’t even dream that big really.” Jackson believes consistency is among his biggest issues. Strength, apparently, is not one of them. Asked what his range is, Jackson said he’s made field goals from 70 yards out in training. Not while goofing around on kickoffs, but in a traditional three-step approach.There is a pedigree — sort of — for Irish athletes to reach the NFL. Charlie Smyth, like Jackson a Gaelic football veteran, signed a three-year deal to kick for the New Orleans Saints in March.

If Jackson impresses over the weekend, there’s a chance he earns a spot on the 90-man roster to serve as an extra leg during training camp., which could put a priority on directional kicking and may require kickers to be more active participants in the return game will lend themselves to Jackson’s particular skillset.

Jr. Pittsburgh Steelers Ireland PA State Wire FL State Wire NFL Pittsburgh S NFL Football Sports Jackson Caleb Shudak Mike Tomlin National Football League

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