Cam Little says Harry Kane could be an NFL kicker – will England’s star try the league?

From Premier League glory to a potential NFL tryout

Harry Kane, the England captain who has scored more than 300 goals for Tottenham Hotspur and led his country to the World Cup final in 2022, is now the subject of a surprising football‑to‑American‑football conversation. The talk began when Jacksonville Jaguars punter Cam Little told ESPN that the striker’s technique and composure suggest he could transition into an NFL place‑kicker. Little, who spent three seasons with the Jaguars after joining the league through the International Player Pathway Program, said the idea was not far‑fetched given Kane’s track record of handling pressure.

Kane’s reputation rests on his precise striking, powerful free‑kicks and the ability to convert under intense scrutiny – all qualities that NFL coaches prize in a kicker. While the two sports differ in ball shape, snap timing and protective gear, the core skill set of accuracy, consistency and mental toughness overlaps. Little’s comment sparked a wave of speculation on social media, with fans wondering whether the English forward could ever swap the white‑washed pitch for the green turf of an American stadium.

A growing pipeline: Soccer players eyeing the NFL

Kane would not be the first soccer player to flirt with the NFL. Over the past decade, the league has recruited several former footballers through its International Player Pathway Program, which aims to discover talent outside the United States. Notable examples include former Ghanaian youth international Michael Osei, who tried out as a punter in 2022, and Swedish striker Oskar Johansson, who spent a preseason with the Detroit Lions in 2024. Though most of these experiments end at the training‑camp stage, they illustrate a clear trend of cross‑sport scouting.

The NFL’s interest in soccer‑trained athletes stems from the sport’s global popularity and the transferable kicking mechanics. In addition, the league’s push into Africa – highlighted by the 2025 launch of NFL Africa Academy in Lagos and the annual NFL International Series in Johannesburg – creates a pipeline for African athletes who already excel at football. The prospect of a high‑profile figure like Kane testing the waters could accelerate that pipeline, drawing attention from scouts, sponsors and broadcasters across the continent.

Why the conversation matters for African markets

Africa’s football fan base is massive, and the continent produces a steady stream of world‑class talent. If a star of Kane’s stature were to seriously consider an NFL career, it could spark a surge in interest among African viewers who already follow both sports. The NFL’s recent partnership with African streaming platform Showmax, which saw a 40 % increase in viewership after the 2024 International Series, suggests that any high‑profile crossover could translate into higher broadcast revenues and advertising spend on the continent.

Moreover, a successful transition could inspire young African athletes who see limited pathways beyond football. While many dream of European contracts, the NFL offers an alternative route to professional sport with lucrative contracts and a growing presence in African cities. An endorsement deal featuring Kane alongside African NFL hopefuls could also open doors for brands seeking to tap into a dual‑sport audience, reinforcing the commercial viability of the NFL’s African expansion strategy.

Reactions from the football and NFL worlds

The football community has offered mixed feedback. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking to Sky Sports, praised Kane’s technique but warned that “the adjustment to a completely different ball and timing is huge.” Meanwhile, NFL analysts on the “Hard Knocks” podcast highlighted the rarity of a top‑tier soccer star making a genuine NFL attempt, noting that “most kickers come up through college football, not Premier League stardom.”

In the United States, the Jaguars released a brief statement saying they “respect Cam Little’s perspective and will continue to explore all talent avenues.” The NFL Players Association, however, cautioned that any move would require adherence to the league’s eligibility rules, which currently mandate a minimum of three years out of high school before a player can sign a contract. These procedural hurdles mean that even if Kane expresses interest, a realistic timeline would likely extend beyond the 2026 season.

What could happen next – trials, media buzz and a possible African ripple effect

If Kane’s camp decides to test his kicking ability, the most probable first step would be a private tryout during the NFL offseason, perhaps at the NFL’s Arizona training facility where the league often hosts international prospects. A successful demonstration could earn him an invitation to the Jaguars’ rookie minicamp, where he would compete with other specialists for a roster spot. Even a short stint would generate massive media coverage, especially from African sports networks eager to showcase the narrative.

Beyond the individual story, the ripple effect could be significant. A high‑profile crossover would likely encourage NFL franchises to allocate more scouting resources to African football academies, accelerating the league’s talent‑identification program on the continent. It could also prompt broadcasters to negotiate new rights deals for NFL games in African markets, mirroring the recent surge in viewership after the 2025 International Series. In short, whether or not Kane ever steps onto an NFL field, the conversation itself may reshape how the league views Africa as a source of both fans and future players.

Quick Answers

Who is Cam Little?
Cam Little is a punter for the Jacksonville Jaguars who entered the NFL through the International Player Pathway Program.

Has any soccer player become a regular NFL kicker?
No former soccer star has yet secured a permanent NFL kicking role, though several have participated in tryouts and preseason camps.

How could Harry Kane potentially joining the NFL affect African fans?
Kane’s involvement could boost NFL viewership in Africa, attract sponsors, and inspire African athletes to consider American‑football careers.

Source: www.espn.com