Former NFL tight end Kyle Brady was in Dublin today ahead of the Croke Park Classic between Penn State and University of Central Florida.
By happy coincidence, the ex-New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots player has connections with Penn State as well as roots in the west of Ireland and today he joined Ger in studio.
He believes college football's decision to come to Ireland is part of an overall push to recognise the increased global interest in American football.
"I just think it's more of an effort to grow their brand, understandably and try to see if they can grow a market outside their borders and it seems that interest is growing," said Brady, who had a 12-year career in the NFL.
He feels he was lucky to experience so much longevity within his sport compared to some of his peers. Indeed he has used his legal and financial training to help former players who may fall on hard times.
Brady also spoke about his final year playing for renowned head coach Bill Belichick at the Patriots before the "physical beating" from his long career finally took its toll.
"You do sometimes suffer concussions or knee and shoulder injuries and the long-term aggregate effect of all those injuries - even if they're just slight - you feel old and you wake up in the morning after a Sunday game and you feel like you've been in a car accident".
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