Harry Kane Reveals Plans for Possible NFL and MLS Future

Harry Kane NFL kicker plans are no longer just a throwaway idea for the England captain.

Kane said on Wednesday that he wants to look more seriously at becoming an NFL kicker later in his career, although any move into American football remains several years away.

The 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker has spoken before about his interest in American football and golf. His latest comments, however, gave the NFL idea a little more substance.

Speaking at England's training camp, Kane said his decision would depend on what happens during the next five or six years of his football career. He also made clear where his priorities sit right now.

“I want to play as long as I can here,” Kane said, referring to his career in football.

That means there is no immediate plan to swap the Bundesliga for the NFL. Harry Kane is still performing at the highest level and is coming off a remarkable 73-goal season for Bayern Munich and England.

Still, the idea of kicking in the NFL has clearly caught his attention.

Kane believes his experience from the penalty spot could give him a starting point. Taking a penalty and kicking a field goal are very different skills, but both require technique, composure and the ability to handle pressure with everyone watching.

“I take penalties and it is a very similar pressure and technique,” Kane said.

He was also realistic about the challenge. Watching an elite NFL kicker from the stands can make the job look simple. Kane knows better than that. If he eventually gives it a genuine shot, he expects to spend six months to a year training before deciding how far he can take it.

MLS could be part of the plan

The more interesting part of Kane's idea involves Major League Soccer.

He suggested that a future move to the United States could allow him to combine an MLS career with an NFL kicking role, taking advantage of the different sporting calendars.

“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 with the seasons,” Kane said.

It is an unusual route, but footballers have crossed into kicking before. Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey was selected in the first round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC, while Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates also had a soccer background.

For now, Kane's focus remains firmly on Bayern and England. He also revealed that talks over a new Bayern contract are progressing and that an announcement could come soon.

The NFL idea can wait. Kane has plenty left to do on the football pitch first. But if he eventually heads to the United States, don't be surprised if another sporting chapter follows.