Established in 2017, the NFL International Player Pathway (IPP) program aims to provide elite athletes from around the world the opportunity to earn a spot on an NFL roster and increase the number 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.
Starting in 2024, the IPP program will include specialists for the first time – referring to the positions in American football that are responsible for kicking the ball. This includes, but is not limited to, field goal kickers, punters and kickoff specialists.
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:
A qualifying international player is a person whose citizenship and principal place of residence are outside the United States and Canada, and who have a maximum of two years of United States high school experience. In addition, an international player must (i) satisfy all NFL player eligibility rules and (ii) have been eligible for a prior 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.
Each club will also receive one training camp roster exemption for a qualifying player. Clubs may choose to sign players identified through the NFL’s IPP program or can choose to independently scout for international talent.
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 IPP@NFL.com