
By Matt Rothman
Parkland’s own James McCourt is officially on his way to the NFL.
At the conclusion of the 2022 NFL draft, he was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers. Set to graduate this spring from the University of Illinois, he holds the school record for most 50+-yard field goals, with eight in college.
He also has the sixth most field goals in a season with 18 and went 37-52 during his college career, including a game-winning 39-yard field goal to upset Wisconsin during the 2019 college football season.
Born in Ireland, McCourt has lived in Parkland since he was eight. After playing flag football for the Parkland Rangers during middle school, McCourt attended high school at St. Thomas Aquinas. He played on the varsity football team before enrolling at the University of Illinois.
McCourt will likely compete for the starting job after he and 31-year-old Dustin Hopkins, signed a three-year extension in March. Hopkins has made 184 field goals playing with the Buffalo Bills, New Orleans Saints, Washington Redskins, and Chargers.
Send your news to Parkland’s #1 news source, Parkland Talk.
Author Profile

- Matt Rothman is a 2018 graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism and then graduated from the University of Florida as a graduate student.
Related
News2023.05.26Coconut Creek Track and Field Competes in States for 1st Time Since 2018
News2023.05.24North Broward Prep Student Named National Merit Finalist; 3 Seniors Announce College Picks
News2023.05.05North Broward Prep Varsity and Middle School Baseball Win Championship; Former Star Makes MLB Debut
News2023.04.213 Local Football Players Announce Commitment; 5 Players Selected to Showcases