Olympic discus champion Roje Stona and Australia rugby union international Jordan Petaia will be among the latest group of athletes to take part in the NFL’s International Player Pathway.
The IPP programme identifies global talent and gives athletes the opportunity to develop their American football skills, and potentially earn a spot on an NFL roster.
In January, 14 athletes will go on a 10-week training camp in Florida – featuring field and classroom sessions – before showcasing their skills to NFL scouts before next year’s NFL draft.
Rugby union players Louis Rees-Zammit and Travis Clayton, plus Gaelic footballer Charlie Smyth were all selected by NFL teams after being part of the 2024 class.
The 2025 group includes Dante Barnett and Mapalo Mwansa from the UK, with Ulster rugby union wing Aaron Sexton being Ireland’s sole representative.
Stona, 25, trained with two NFL teams last spring, before winning Jamaica’s first Olympic gold medal in a throwing event at Paris 2024.
Petaia, 24, had already been linked with a switch from rugby union and will aim to emulate fellow Australian Jordan Mailata.
Since the IPP programme was established in 2017, 41 international players have joined NFL teams, with 23 currently with teams and six making it on to a team’s active roster.
Mailata is the most successful having switched from age-grade rugby league to become a key part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line, helping them reach the Super Bowl in 2023.
“Focusing on our global football development efforts and fostering international talent is crucial to growing our game globally,” said Peter O’Reilly, an NFL executive vice president.
“The IPP program offers life-changing opportunities for international talent, and we look forward to following their progress in the weeks and months ahead.”
