Updates

The NFL announced the names of eight players added to NFL rosters for the 2023 season through the NFL International Player Pathway (IPP) program. One Australian, one French and six Nigerian players from the 2023 IPP have been allocated to NFL clubs, the highest number in a single year since the program's inception.

Established in 2017, the NFL International Player Pathway 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.

"To see this hugely talented group of players be allocated to NFL rosters is very exciting, and a testament to the success of the NFL's global football development programs for international athletes," said Peter O'Reilly, NFL Executive Vice President, Club Business, Major Events & International. "The International Player Pathway is a critical program in identifying, supporting and enabling athletes from around the world and we look forward to seeing each player’s NFL journey unfold as they become global ambassadors for the sport."

This year, 13 talented young athletes were invited to join the 2023 IPP program following an NFL International Combine in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that featured 38 players from 13 countries. 

The 2023 IPP cohort spent 10 weeks at an intensive training camp at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida earlier this year, and showcased their talents in front of NFL club scouts at a pro day at the University of South Florida ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The NFC North and the AFC West divisions were chosen to receive IPP players in a random draw and become the seventh and eighth divisions to participate, respectively.

Both divisions will receive four players from the IPP, bringing the total number of IPP athletes placed on rosters through the program this year to eight — the most in a single year of the program's history. All 32 teams have now received an IPP player since the program started in 2017.

NFC North:

 AFC West:

The six Nigerian players were discovered via New York Giants Legend Osi Umenyiora's initiative, The Uprise, and attended the inaugural NFL Africa talent camp in Ghana last year. They were then invited to the International Combine in London and secured their place on the IPP program.

"To see these fantastic young Nigerian men achieve their dream to be on an NFL roster is incredibly exciting, and I am proud of how each one of them have worked incredibly hard to earn this moment," said Osi Umenyiora, a two-time Super Bowl champion who was born in the UK to Nigerian parents and who is spearheading football development efforts in Africa.

Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle from Australia, and an alumnus of the IPP program, had a message for the eight athletes: "My advice to the players coming into the program would be to enjoy and respect the process. Give it everything you've got. Embrace the opportunity and don't let it go to waste. Hard work will always outlast talent."

The eight clubs will carry the IPP players on their roster until the end of training camp. At that time, the players are eligible for an international player practice squad exemption, which grants each team an extra practice squad member. Clubs also have the opportunity to elevate the player to the active roster during the season.

Thirty-seven international players have signed with NFL teams since the start of the program (allocated, drafted or signed as a free agent).  There are currently 13 IPP athletes on NFL rosters, with four on their team's active roster — Jordan Mailata (Australia - Philadelphia Eagles), Efe Obada (UK - Washington Commanders), Jakob Johnson (Germany - Las Vegas Raiders) and David Bada (Germany - Washington Commanders).