**Kane Considers NFL Kicking Career After Soccer**
England's national football team captain, Harry Kane, has revealed that he is contemplating a future as a kicker in the National Football League (NFL) after his soccer career. Speaking to reporters at England's training camp on Wednesday, the 33-year-old striker acknowledged that a potential stint in Major League Soccer (MLS) could facilitate his transition into American football.
Kane, who currently plays for Bayern Munich, has previously expressed interest in pursuing careers in golf and American football. However, he is now giving more serious consideration to the possibility of becoming an NFL kicker, emphasizing that any move to the United States is still several years away.
“That is something I will try and look at a bit more seriously,” Kane stated. “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.”
The England captain believes that his experience in taking penalties could provide him with a head start in the NFL. He noted the similarities in pressure and technique between penalty kicks in soccer and kicking in American football. “I take penalties and it is a very similar pressure and technique,” he explained. “In terms of training, I would be closer to that more than any other sport.”
Despite his confidence, Kane is aware that switching sports would require significant preparation. “With all elite sports, when you watch it on TV, people make it look easy; you think it is possible, but that is not always the case,” he remarked. “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 before.”
Kane also suggested that a move to MLS could serve as a bridge between soccer and American football. “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,” he noted.
There are precedents for soccer players successfully transitioning to the NFL. For instance, Brandon Aubrey, a kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, was a first-round draft pick by Toronto FC in 2017 but did not make an official appearance for the team. Similarly, Jake Bates played college soccer before becoming a kicker for the Detroit Lions.
While Kane's thoughts about a future in the NFL are intriguing, his immediate focus remains on soccer. He is currently engaged in discussions regarding a new contract with Bayern Munich, with an announcement expected in the near future. “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.”
As Kane navigates his soccer career, his openness to exploring opportunities in American football highlights the versatility and adaptability of elite athletes. Whether or not he ultimately makes the switch, his comments have sparked interest among fans of both sports, showcasing the potential for crossover between soccer and American football.