In a recent announcement, the National Football League said it will host its International Player Pathway (IPP) program Class of 2024, featuring 11 athletes from around the world, and a first-ever group of five specialists from England and Ireland.
Established in 2017 the IPP program aims to provide elite international athletes the opportunity to compete at the NFL level, improve their skills and ultimately work to earn a spot on an NFL roster.
The IPP Class of 2024, including the program’s first-ever specialists, spans talent from eight nations and represents a total of 16 players transitioning to the sport of American football.
Athletes come from various sporting backgrounds including rugby, basketball, track, Gaelic football and Australian football, among others, showcasing how diverse sporting experience and capabilities can continue to enable the impact of international player pathways in enriching the fabric of the league.
“We are thrilled to welcome the International Player Pathway program Class of 2024,” said Peter O’Reilly, executive vice president international, club business and major events at the NFL.
“As we focus on the global growth of the game, expanding international talent within the NFL is critical, connecting our sport with fans across the world. The 2024 program participants are an elite, diverse group of athletes and we look forward to following their journeys in the months ahead.”
Osi Umenyiora, who is spearheading the NFL’s Africa program said, “The IPP Class of 2024 presents a group of incredibly talented athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds and nations across the globe.”
He added, “Our international football development programs at the NFL offer life-changing opportunities for talent, and will only continue to impact the league this season and in the seasons ahead. This is only the beginning for these players, and we look forward to sharing their stories and the game of football with the world.”
The group said since its inception, 37 international players have signed with NFL teams (allocated, drafted or signed as a free agent), with 18 IPP athletes currently on NFL rosters.
Players will begin training in the United States in January at IMG Academy and will have the opportunity to showcase their talents to NFL club scouts in March.
Joseph Phillips is the Sports Editor for the Chicago Crusader Newspaper. He is a Chicago native, who has been a sports writer for over 17 years. He also hosts the SC Media News and Sports Network Q&A radio show on WHPK 88.5 FM Chicago.
