Jordan Petaia, who excelled in the NFL's International Player Pathway program, has signed with the Los Angeles Chargers. The former Australian national rugby team (Wallabies) player has given up his rugby career to pursue his NFL dream, showcasing his dedication to American football.
Read Also...:
Yuki Tsunoda: What's it like being a replacement F1 driver?
04-03, 2025
IPL 2025: England's Jos Buttler hits 73 not out to lead Gujarat Titans to victory over RCB
04-03, 2025
Jose Mourinho: Fenerbahce manager accused of grabbing nose of Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk
04-03, 2025
Liverpool 1-0 Everton: James Tarkowski 'lucky' to escape red card
04-03, 2025Petaia left rugby last year and traveled to IMG Academy in Florida for a 10-week crash course in American football. After a workout in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams, the 25-year-old impressed and officially reached an agreement with the Chargers on Thursday, marking a significant step in his transition.
Petaia is capable of playing any position in the back line in rugby, and the Chargers may try him as a tight end. The Chargers lost to the Houston Texans in the playoff wild-card round last season, eventually finishing second in their division, and are looking to bolster their roster for the upcoming season.
The NFL International Player Pathway (IPP) program was established in 2017 to provide elite athletes from around the world with experience in other sports the opportunity to improve and develop their skills in order to gain access to NFL team rosters. Under new rules introduced last season, the Chargers can keep Petaia on an additional roster spot and can activate him at any stage, providing flexibility in his development.
Petaia has made 31 appearances for the Australian national rugby team, debuted for the Queensland Reds at the age of 18, and became the youngest Australian player to participate in the World Cup the following year. Although injuries often hampered the versatile player, he displayed amazing athleticism and excellent hand-foot skills when at his best. Petaia's professionalism has impressed observers, who believe he is one of the best-performing IPP players to date, and he is being trained as a smaller tight end or a larger wide receiver, highlighting his adaptability.
