The NFL International Player Pathway (IPP) program, founded in 2017, seeks to give top-tier athletes worldwide the chance to secure a place on an NFL team and boost the representation of international players in the league.
The NFL’s ambition is for the IPP to be the destination for the world’s best athletes to develop and begin their journey in American football. The NFL scouts talent globally and brings together the best collective of global multisport athletes for a training and development camp, where players are exposed to elite sporting facilities, football coaches and NFL scouts in a bid to be selected to join an NFL roster.
Beginning in 2024, the IPP program will, for the first time, incorporate specialists. These are the roles in American football responsible for kicking the ball, such as field goal kickers, punters, and kickoff specialists, among others.
37 international players have signed with NFL teams (allocated, drafted or signed as a free agent) since the program’s inception. There are currently 18 IPP athletes on NFL rosters, and since 2017, five players have made teams active rosters: Jordan Mailata (Australia – Philadelphia Eagles), Efe Obada(UK – Washington Commanders), Jakob Johnson (Germany – Las Vegas Raiders), Sammis Reyes (Chile – Washington Commanders) and David Bada (Germany – Washington Commanders).
International Player Pathway Program explained:
What Qualifies as an International Player:
An international player who qualifies is someone whose citizenship and main residence are not in the United States or Canada, and they have no more than two years of U.S. high school experience. Additionally, such a player must meet all NFL player eligibility requirements and have been eligible for a previous NFL Draft.
New Rules for 2024 International Player Pathway Program:
Beginning in 2024, each of the 32 NFL clubs is eligible to fill a 17th roster spot on its practice squad, reserved for an international player. A participating club is permitted to elevate its international practice squad player to its active roster a maximum of three times throughout the season — increasing the flexibility for clubs to leverage the additional player, while creating more opportunity to play.
Every club will also get a training camp roster exemption for an eligible player. Clubs have the option to sign players identified through the NFL’s IPP program or they can opt to scout for international talent independently.
How can i get involved in the IPP
If you are an athlete and interested in being involved in the International Player Pathway Program please email [email protected]
