All articles tagged with #international player pathway
The Philadelphia Eagles drafted defensive tackle Uar Bernard with the 251st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Bernard, who hails from Nigeria and had not played organized football, is a 6-foot-4, 306-pound athlete who posted a 4.63-second 40-yard dash and a 39-inch vertical at showcases, and joins the Eagles via the NFL’s International Player Pathway program as a project for development under the team's coaching staff.
Philadelphia selected Uar Bernard, a Nigerian defensive tackle who has never played football, with the No. 251 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, betting on his exceptional athleticism and the NFL’s International Player Pathway to develop him into a contributor, following a path similar to Jordan Mailata.
The Philadelphia Eagles selected defensive tackle Uar Bernard with the 251st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a player who has never played organized football but came through the NFL's International Player Pathway program, hoping his raw tools and a proven development track — like Jordan Mailata — pay off as a late-round surprise.
The New Orleans Saints signed Irish kicker Charlie Smyth from their practice squad to the active roster and placed wide receiver Devaughn Vele on Injured Reserve. Smyth, a Gaelic football player from Northern Ireland, made a notable NFL debut with a 56-yard field goal, becoming the second international player from Ireland to play in the NFL through the IPP program. This move highlights the Saints' roster adjustments and Smyth's unique journey from Gaelic football to professional football.
The Kansas City Chiefs have agreed to terms with former European rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, who recently ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the NFL's International Player Pathway pro day. The 23-year-old Welsh winger brings exceptional speed and may play as a wide receiver, running back, or return specialist for the Chiefs. His signing comes with perks for the team, including a training camp roster exemption and a 17th roster spot on the practice squad reserved for an international player in 2024.
The Kansas City Chiefs have reached a contract agreement with European rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, who will be considered for roles at running back and wide receiver while also serving as a potential impact player on special teams. The 23-year-old participated in the NFL's International Player Pathway pro day, showcasing his speed with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash. This move aligns with the NFL's initiative to provide more opportunities for international players, including a 17th roster spot on practice squads and increased chances for international players to be elevated to active rosters.
The Kansas City Chiefs are set to sign former Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit to play running back and wide receiver, with plans to involve him in kickoffs as well. The 23-year-old, who announced his departure from rugby in January to join the NFL's international player pathway, garnered interest from multiple NFL teams before choosing the Chiefs. Despite the challenge of transitioning sports at the highest level, Rees-Zammit's impressive performance at his pro day and the NFL's expanded opportunities for international players increase his chances of success as he pursues his and his father's dreams in American football.
Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit has decided to leave the sport and pursue a career in the NFL, joining the league's international player pathway. The 22-year-old, known for his prowess as a winger and fullback, has won 31 Test caps for Wales and was part of the British & Irish Lions' tour of South Africa in 2021. Rees-Zammit's decision comes as a surprise, as he was expected to be a key part of Wales' forthcoming Six Nations squad. Gloucester Rugby has given him their blessing to pursue his dream, and he will be joining the NFL international player pathway in Florida.
The Chicago Bears have signed 14 undrafted free agents ahead of their rookie minicamp, and announced their full roster for the event. They have also been selected to participate in the NFL's International Player Pathway program, with Nigerian player Roy Mbaeteka joining the team. The program allows for an international player practice squad exemption and the possibility of being elevated to the active roster during the season.
The NFL International Player Pathway program has added eight players to NFL rosters for the 2023 season, including one Australian, one French, and six Nigerian players. The program aims to provide elite athletes from around the world with the opportunity to earn a spot on an NFL roster and increase the number of international players in the league. The six Nigerian players were discovered via Osi Umenyiora's The Uprise initiative and attended the inaugural NFL Africa talent camp in Ghana last year.