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Israeli soccer player becomes first from nation to earn NFL tryout

Published Feb. 18, 2016 10:25 a.m. ET

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Israeli soccer player Gal Mesika will make history, as he will become the first athlete from his country to earn an NFL tryout thanks to his invite to the free agent specialists combine in Arizona in March. 

Mesika, a 27-year-old from Herzeliya, Israel, was a goalie in top Israeli soccer leagues before he joined the Israeli national American football team last year as a kicker. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft had a chance to see Mesika play when Kraft was in Israel promoting the game, and Kraft was impressed. Mesika then created a demo tape, which led to a chance to train with kicking coach Greg Zauner, one of the best in the United States.

Mesika improved his distance and accuracy through his work with Zauner, and the rest is history.

Via The Jerusalem Post:

A tryout is a long way away from a spot on a team, but the opportunity represents a huge first step for Israel and the global reach of American football.  

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