England captain and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane has expressed interest in transitioning to the NFL as a kicker after his professional football career concludes.
Key facts
- •Harry Kane is 33 years old and currently plays for Bayern Munich.
- •Kane suggested he would need six months to a year of training to prepare for an NFL kicking role.
- •The striker noted that his interest in becoming a professional golfer has faded compared to his interest in the NFL.
- •Kane cited Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey as an example of a player who successfully transitioned from soccer.
- •Contract extension talks between Kane and Bayern Munich are ongoing, with an announcement expected soon.
England captain Harry Kane, 33, has identified a potential future as an NFL kicker, noting that he views the transition as a realistic long-term goal. While currently focused on his career with Bayern Munich and the England national team, the striker indicated he would require significant preparation before attempting such a move. Kane emphasized that any potential shift to American football would not occur for several years, depending on his professional trajectory over the next half-decade.
Transitioning from Football to the NFL
Kane believes his experience as a penalty taker provides a foundation for the role, citing similarities in pressure and technique between the two disciplines. He estimated that he would need to dedicate between six months and a year to specialized practice before attempting to play professionally. While he acknowledged that elite sports often appear easier on television than they are in practice, he remains committed to the idea as a serious post-football pursuit. He noted that a future stint in Major League Soccer (MLS) could potentially facilitate a transition, allowing him to connect the two sports during different seasons. Currently, Kane has not been approached by any NFL franchise and maintains that his primary focus remains on playing football for as long as possible.
Precedents and Current Career Status
The striker pointed to existing examples of players who successfully moved from soccer to the NFL, such as Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, who was previously drafted by Toronto FC, and Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates, who played college soccer. Kane also mentioned that his interest in pursuing professional golf has waned, describing the NFL path as significantly more realistic. Regarding his immediate future in football, Kane confirmed that he is currently in contract negotiations with Bayern Munich. He stated that discussions are progressing well and expects an announcement regarding his status with the Bundesliga club in the near future.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Daily Sabah, Kathmandu Post.
