Former Cavan minor footballer Rónán Patterson has accepted a place in the Canadian Football League Global Draft.
The Ramor United clubman and Monmouth University punter hopes to carve out a career for himself in American football, just like fellow GAA players Rory Beggan, Mark Jackson and Charlie Smyth who attended a training camp in Florida recently.
The CFL Global Draft provides non-Canadian and non-American players with the opportunity to be selected by Canadian Football League teams and pursue professional careers in American football.
“I am excited and prepared for the next chapter,” Patterson said in a social media post.
"First and foremost, I want to thank God for blessing me with health, favour and opportunity.
"To my family and my friends, thank you for laying the foundation on which I stand. Through all the uncertainties one thing was always certain, our love for one another. Thank you for always believing and supporting me.
"To my coaches, support staff and teammates who I call my brothers, thank you. You have helped me grow on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.
"With that being said. I am declaring for the 2024 CFL Global Draft."
TweetI am grateful to announce I have been accepted to the @CFL Global Draft as an Irish Citizen 🇮🇪
— Rónán Patterson (@ronan_patterson) February 27, 2024
I am excited and prepared for the next chapter. @Nick_McLain_ @McLain2015 @TadhgLeader #cfl #GlobalDraft #LeaderKickingProduct pic.twitter.com/HQEdRJ5Fyu