Neil O'Donoghue
| Date of birth | June 18, 1953 |
|---|---|
| Place of birth | Dublin, Ireland |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | Placekicker |
| College | Auburn |
| NFL draft | 1977 / Round: 5 / Pick 127 |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1977 | Buffalo Bills |
| 1978–1979 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 1980–1985 | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Career stats | |
|
|
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | June 18, 1953 | ||
| Place of birth | Dublin, Ireland | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1971–1972 | Shamrock Rovers | 12 | (3) |
| ? | Drumcondra F.C. | ? | (?) |
| 1978 | Shelbourne F.C. | ? | (?) |
| * Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. |
|||
Cornelis Joseph Connor Dennis "Neil" O'Donoghue (born June 18, 1953) is a former American football placekicker. He played in the National Football League (NFL) from 1977 to 1985 with the Buffalo Bills, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the St. Louis Cardinals. At 6'6, he is the tallest kicker in NFL history.
Growing up in Clondalkin, his father Michael played for the Ireland national field hockey team.
Playing for Round Towers GAA (Clondalkin), he was described as one of the best juvenile players they produced. He played U13 Football at the age of eight and won an U13 League Final against St Pats Palmerstown in 1965.
O'Donoghue made his League of Ireland debut for Shamrock Rovers as a replacement for Damien Richardson at Sligo Rovers on the 17 October 1971. In his second League game he scored his first goal at Glenmalure Park against Limerick on the 31st October. He made a total of 16 appearances including 2 each in the Texaco Cup and the FAI Cup scoring 3 goals.
In February 1978 he returned home at the end of the American Football season to play for Shelbourne F.C..
O'Donoghue first came to the United States to play soccer for Saint Bernard College. He was awarded the first soccer scholarship to the States given to an Irish person. When the school's soccer program closed, he transferred to Auburn University and became the starting placekicker for Auburn Tigers football team. He received All-American honors in 1976.
...
Wikipedia