Harry Kane has previously spoken about his interest in trying American football once his professional football career comes to an end. Those comments led to a discussion about whether such a move would be realistic for a player who has spent years at the top level of another sport.
Harry Kane has previously spoken about his interest in trying American football once his professional football career comes to an end.
Those comments led to a discussion about whether such a move would be realistic for a player who has spent years at the top level of another sport.
Former NFL player JJ Watt was later asked for his view on the idea, sharing his perspective on Kane’s chances of making the transition.
Watt suggested the possibility should not be dismissed and explained why Kane’s background could be relevant.
JJ Watt explained why Harry Kane could make it in the NFL
When discussing Kane’s ambitions of becoming an NFL kicker, Watt pointed to the striker’s lifelong experience kicking a football.
He explained that this background would give Kane a strong base if he ever committed fully to an NFL pathway.
“I think with true proper dedicated training, I think Harry Kane could make it as an NFL kicker,” Watt said in 2024.
“I think that his skill set, obviously having kicked balls for his entire life, then you put him with a proper kicking trainer, it’s going to go well.”
Watt was also careful to acknowledge the difficulty of the role, despite liking Kane’s chances.
“I don’t want to diminish the job of a kicker because it’s an extremely difficult job,” he added.
“But somebody that does it at the highest level like Harry has, with proper training, I do think he’s good at it.”
JJ Watt recalled Sergio Aguero example
Watt also drew on a previous experience to explain why footballers can adapt to NFL kicking.
He recalled taking part in a field goal competition with Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero in the United States.
“I did a field goal competition with Sergio Aguero in America when Manchester City came over for a pre-season tour, and he was phenomenal, making 65-yard field goals,” Watt revealed.
He explained that the biggest challenge for footballers is adjusting to NFL timing and technique.
“The only difference is that he would have taken a long run-up, whereas in the NFL, you get 1.2 seconds from the time the ball is snapped, so you’ve got to take a two-step run-up and kick it, but he was pounding the ball through the upright.”
Watt also added context when comparing Kane to the league’s best.
“Justin Tucker is the best kicker in NFL history, so I’m not saying that Harry Kane can be that,” he continued.
“But I do think that Harry could possibly, with three years of intensive everyday training, make an NFL roster, one of 32, because he’s had to do it his whole life.
“And maybe a goalkeeper would probably be a better option because they have to do goal kicks.”
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Category: General Sports
