NFL
What is the NFL International Player Pathway Program?
The International Player Pathway program is a part of the NFL’s and its 32 clubs’ broader commitment to promote the worldwide expansion of football.
The National Football League (NFL) has announced an expansion of practice squads for all 32 clubs, starting in 2024, to include one international player. This move aims to provide increased opportunities for talented athletes from around the world to be recognized and developed in American football.
Since 2017, select divisions have been allocated international players as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program. The IPPP is designed to boost the presence of non-American and Canadian players in the NFL, aligning with the league’s global growth strategy. It offers athletes a chance to play in the NFL, ultimately expanding the talent pool and increasing global fan engagement.
Between 2017 and 2022, one division participated annually in the IPPP. This year, the initiative involves two divisions, the AFC West and the NFC North, with eight players from the program allocated to NFL clubs.
To date, 37 international players have signed with NFL teams (allocated, drafted, or signed as free agents) through the IPP. Currently, 19 IPP athletes are on NFL rosters, with five players making 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).
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Starting in 2024, practice squads will expand to 17 players for all 32 clubs, provided one player is a qualifying international player. A qualifying international player is someone whose citizenship and primary residence are outside the United States and Canada, with a maximum of two years of U.S. high school experience. Additionally, international players must meet all NFL player eligibility criteria and have been eligible for a previous NFL Draft.
Clubs can choose to sign players identified through the NFL’s International Player Pathway program or independently scout for international talent.
Under the new rules, a participating club can elevate its international practice squad player to its active roster a maximum of three times during the season. This added flexibility allows clubs to leverage the additional player while creating more opportunities for international players to develop and compete in the league. Each club will also receive one training camp roster exemption for a qualifying player.
The International Player Pathway program is part of the NFL’s broader commitment, along with its 32 clubs, to advance football’s development worldwide. This commitment includes expanding NFL Flag football globally in partnership with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF), the NFL Academy program, and creating opportunities for talented student-athletes to secure college football scholarships in the United States, thereby enriching lives through the sport.