Harry Kane has achieved nearly everything in soccer. The FC Bayern striker was most recently awarded the Ballon d’Or and has been one of the world’s best forwards for years. But the 33-year-old still has an unusual dream: After his soccer career, he could envision a move to the NFL. Now the Englishman is receiving high-profile support from the world’s top football league.
Kane has stated on several occasions in the past that a career as an American football player would appeal to him. The Bayern star is a big NFL fan and has long been considering the possibility of taking on a new athletic challenge after his active soccer career ends.
In light of the upcoming NFL exhibition game in Munich, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was recently asked about the Englishman’s plans. The professional football player was enthusiastic about the idea of seeing Kane in the NFL one day.
“I’m sure he’d handle it with ease.”
“That would be pretty cool! You see soccer players kick the ball from 50 or 60 yards out all the time. I think it would be cool to see him do that,” Maye explained during a media session ahead of the NFL game in Munich.
The Patriots quarterback is convinced that Kane has the technical skills needed for a switch. Above all, the Bayern striker’s experience at the highest level of the sport could help him.
“Pressure is one of the biggest challenges when kicking in the NFL. But he’s used to it. That’s why, to be honest, I don’t think he’d have any problems with it,” Maye emphasized.
The NFL star has apparently already formed his own opinion of Kane’s abilities.
“I’ve seen him kick a few times—he’s pretty good at it. So, no question: I’m sure he’d handle it with ease.”
For Kane, these comments are likely a special endorsement. After all, as the Patriots’ quarterback, Maye is one of the NFL’s most recognizable faces.
Kane continues to dream of an NFL career
It’s by no means out of the question that Kane could actually play American football one day. The Englishman has already publicly expressed his enthusiasm for a potential second career on several occasions.
However, the demands placed on an NFL kicker differ significantly from those of a professional soccer player. In addition to kicking technique, precision, consistency, and the ability to perform under enormous pressure play a decisive role.
Yet Maye sees no reason why Kane shouldn’t be able to make the leap.
For now, the Bayern striker’s focus is entirely on his soccer career anyway. The 33-year-old recently signed a long-term contract extension with the German record champions and hopes to win more titles with the Munich club.
NFL Spectacle at the Allianz Arena
Discussions about Kane’s potential transfer are receiving additional attention due to the upcoming NFL game in Munich.
On Sunday, the Detroit Lions will face the New England Patriots at the Allianz Arena. For FC Bayern, the American football league’s visit is also of economic interest.
As Chief Marketing Officer Rouven Kasper recently explained, the Munich club hopes the event will have a positive impact on the club’s international marketing efforts.
Whether Kane will ever take the field in an NFL stadium himself remains to be seen. In any case, the Bayern star certainly has no shortage of prominent advocates.