NFL PATHWAY EXPLAINED

How did it come about?

The brain-child of Dallas Cowboys coach Aden Durde, the International Player Pathway Program was established in 2017 to provide opportunities for elite international athletes to compete for a potential spot on an NFL roster.

Is there a clear path to the NFL?

They are trying to make it easier. Last September, the NFL launched a league-wide initiative that allows practice squads to have a 17th player, if that extra player is from outside the US or Canada.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Joel Glazer said the decision of allowing an extra practice squad spot for an international player was ‘a significant step forward’ in bringing global talent into the NFL.

What does the IPP involve?

Players spend up to 10 weeks in a training camp at the IMG Academy in Florida where days can start as early as five in the morning and include studying the game as well as working on improving their skills.

Players are then evaluated at the annual NFL International Combine - a combination of tests including bench press, 40-yard dash and shuttle drills – which will be held in Indianapolis from February 29 to March 3 before playing in front of team scouts at a pro day held at the University of South Florida ahead of the NFL Draft.

What are the chances of success?

There were 13 athletes in last year’s programme. Of those, a record number of eight were added to NFL rosters for the 2023 season. Although none were part of the active roster, they were eligible for the international player practice squad exemption.

So far, 37 international players have signed with NFL teams since the inception of the programme, hailing from a range of countries, including Australia, Nigeria, Germany, Tonga and the UK.

What do they earn?

The regular season salary for a practice squad member in 2023 was $216,000 (€199,000). However, if they secure a rookie contract, they will earn considerably more – Daniel Whelan’s salary as rookie punter for the Green Bay Packers is in the region of $750,000.

Who has come through the IPP system?

Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata is the biggest success story. The 26year-old was a talented rugby league player in Australia and has flourished since being drafted by the Eagles in 2020, playing 47 games in the past three seasons and featuring in last year’s SuperBowl loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.