The NFL seems to be catching on to the fact that Europe is a great place to find talent.
Griffin Neal who played quarterback for Germany’s Hildesheim Invaders (GFL) in 2015, impressed the New Orleans Saints at the Tulane pro day which was held at the Saints‘ practice facility last month. According to ESPN and several other sources, they signed him to a contract.
The 6’4″ 220 lb Neal, who helped the Invaders advance up to the top league in Germany, was a three-year starter at Concordia University and finished as the school’s all-time leader with 5,614 passing yards and 47 touchdown passes. He ran for 1,331 yards and 22 touchdowns.
The Saints then invited Neal to participate at their local pro day on Friday, according to the Fargo Valley News Live. They offered him a three-year contract after the workout.
“I showed up there [for Tulane’s pro day], and nobody knew who I was,” Neal told The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. “But the fact I was in the same facility as some key decision-makers, I was in the right place at the right time, and I had a great day. I was just hoping for any opportunity. Now I have it, and hopefully I can take advantage of it.”
He is expected to be the fourth quarterback on New Orleans’ roster, behind Drew Brees, Luke McCown and last year’s third-round draft pick, Garrett Grayson.