Harry Kane explores NFL kicking career after soccer retirement
Harry Kane, the England captain and record goal scorer, has revealed that he is seriously considering a future as an American football kicker after his soccer career. Speaking at England’s UEFA Nations League training camp, Kane expressed that while he has previously shown interest in pursuing careers in golf and American football, he is now giving more serious thought to the NFL. At 33 years old, he acknowledges that any potential move to the United States is still several years away, but he is intrigued by the idea.
Kane stated, "That is something I will try and look at a bit more seriously. It all depends on what happens in my career over the next five or six years. The NFL is a lot more realistic than the golf one, let’s put it that way." This statement highlights his willingness to explore new avenues as he approaches the latter stages of his playing career.
As England’s leading goal scorer with 85 goals in 121 appearances, Kane believes his experience in taking penalties could provide him with a head start as an NFL kicker. He remarked, "I take penalties and it is a very similar pressure and technique. In terms of training, I would be closer to that more than any other sport." However, he is also realistic about the challenges of switching sports, emphasizing the need for serious preparation. Kane noted, "If I was to do it, it is something I would take seriously. I would take maybe six months to a year of trying to practice beforehand."
In addition to his potential NFL aspirations, Kane hinted at the possibility of a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) as a way to combine both sports. He suggested, "Maybe if I am in the MLS in the future or somewhere like that it might be a thing where you could connect the two maybe with the seasons." This indicates that he is considering how to navigate his career transitions while maintaining a connection to soccer.
Kane is not the first football player to consider a switch to American football. Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey was a first-round MLS draft pick by Toronto FC in 2017 but did not make an official appearance for the team. Similarly, Jake Bates played college football before becoming a kicker for the Detroit Lions. These examples show that while the transition is uncommon, it is not unheard of.
That's the Call
As for Kane’s immediate future, he remains focused on his current role in football. He is in discussions regarding a new contract with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, with an announcement expected soon. "We’re in good talks," Kane confirmed. "There’s still some things that we need to iron out. I’m happy there. I think it won’t be too long before there’s some sort of announcement."
Kane's exploration of a potential NFL career reflects a broader trend among athletes looking to diversify their careers and pursue new challenges as they approach retirement from their primary sport. Whether he ultimately makes the leap to American football remains to be seen, but his openness to the idea certainly adds an intriguing layer to his already storied career.
