England captain Harry Kane has indicated he is seriously considering a future career as an NFL placekicker, potentially following a transition to Major League Soccer (MLS). The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker told reporters on September 23 that while his immediate focus remains on soccer, he is evaluating the feasibility of American football after his playing days in Europe conclude.
Kane emphasized that any move to the NFL would be contingent on his career trajectory over the next five to six years, though he described the prospect as more realistic than his previously mentioned ambition of professional golf. "That is something I will try and look at a bit more seriously," he stated. "The NFL is a lot more realistic than the golf one, let's put it that way."
The England international suggested that his experience in penalty-taking could provide a foundation for transitioning to NFL kicking, given the similar pressure and technique involved. "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."
Kane also floated the idea of combining the two sports by playing in the MLS before potentially pursuing NFL opportunities. "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 said. He added that any pursuit of NFL kicking would require six months to a year of dedicated practice to prepare adequately.
Kane’s comments come as he continues contract negotiations with Bayern Munich, with both parties described as being in "good talks" and nearing an agreement. The striker, who has 125 caps for England and is aiming to surpass Peter Shilton’s all-time record, has not ruled out extending his soccer career beyond his current timeline.
The possibility of Kane transitioning to the NFL is not without precedent. Brandon Aubrey, a former MLS draft pick, now serves as a kicker for the Dallas Cowboys, while Jake Bates played college soccer before joining the Detroit Lions as a kicker. Kane acknowledged these examples but stressed that his primary focus remains on soccer for the foreseeable future.
For now, Kane’s immediate plans involve finalizing his contract with Bayern Munich and continuing his international career with England.