LAST WEEK WE took a look at the NFL players who would make an impact in the world of Gaelic games and, with Croke Park Classic taking place later today, we thought we’d examine which hurlers and footballers could make a splash in the world of pro-football.
Lee Keegan – Quarterback
Few half-backs in the country can combine the athleticism and quality of distribution of Keegan so that makes him a leading choice for the quarterback role. Colm Copper has the vision and panache needed for the job but, unfortunately, his size counts against him.
Kieran Donaghy – Tight End
Probably the only choice for this physically demanding role, Donaghy’s natural build and strength make him the GAA’s equivalent to Rob Gronkowski. Sadly for Star, his injury record is also reminiscent of the Patriots’ tight end.
Rory O’Carroll – Safety
The Dublin full-back is among the most accomplished defenders in the country and is often the last line of defence for the Blues when his more attack-minded colleagues flood forward. His ability to spot a pass before it’s happened puts the Kilmacud Crokes man on a par with Charles ‘Peanut’ Tillman.
Michael Murphy – Slot Receiver
Murphy would play receiver in the Wes Welker mould and could, using his natural strength, aggression and competitiveness, become the go-to-guy for any number of quarterbacks around the NFL. He’d easily make 100 catches in a season.
Conor McManus – Kicker
McManus has shown he can hold his nerve while standing over important place balls. He’ll have less time than he would in a football match - and 11 guys running straight at him – but we’d still back the Monaghan man on a 40-yard attempt.
Disagree? Of course you do. Let us know which GAA players you think could make it in the NFL and why in the comment section below.
Eric Cantona has to be on that list surely?!
Everyone of them had a good reason to retire. Mortimers one was his ego
Former Ipswich Town goalkeeper Shane Supple retired at the age of 22. He said at the time he had fallen out of love with the game.
Conor Mortimer’s retirement shocking? Nothing shocking about what a guy with such a big ego could do. He had often thrown his toys out of his pram before that. James Horan was delighted to see him go and played a part in it and Mayo have been better off since. I don’t think there was any phone call to him to try persuade him to change his mind. Mortimer was not that liked by his fellow county players and didn’t get on great with his fellow students in DCU. Most thought he was a sh1te
Conor Mortimer between Magic Johnson and Jordan !!
Muamba was hardly going to keep playing
To those who plead “Oh but what about this guy and that guy, Cantona and Bjorg?!”
The headline says 6 shocking retirements, not ALL shocking retirements so chill out.
Cantona was
What about Bjorn Borg.
Get Conor Mortimer out of this list.
Magic Johnson retired in November 1991 but was in the USA “Dream Team” for the 92 Olympics so it wasn’t much of a retirement
Martina Hingis retired at 23 to pursue a “media” career, only to be banned for cocaine abuse a few years later after a return to the sport.
Alan Hansen could have played on