NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars sign Australian Tight End Patrick Murtaugh as part of NFL International Player Pathway Program

Patrick Murtagh, a former rising player in Australian Rules Football and an aspiring NFL tight end, has joined the Jacksonville Jaguars through the NFL’s International Pathway Program. He is a member of the IPP Class of 2024.

As an IPP player, Murtagh can stay with the Jaguars through training camp. If he does not make the 53-player roster, he can be carried as an extra “developmental” player on the practice squad as per the new NFL IPP rules. Jaguars British defensive back Ayo Oyelola has been with the team as part of the IPP program for the past two seasons.

Murtagh (6’5 250) was allocated to the Detroit Lions last year before being released because of a undisclosed medical issue.

Murtagh – a high level decathlete in Australia and a Queensland state champion in high school – initially participated in an international scouting combine in London, then was among 12 prospects who participated in a 10-week training camp at IMG Academy in Florida.

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2024 NFL International Player Pathway spotlight: Patrick Murtagh, TE, Australia 🇦🇺

The newest Jacksonville Jaguar! https://t.co/S4KsjRXpDR

— American Football International (@AFIReview) April 15, 2024

He signed with the AFL’s Gold Coast Suns at the age of 19 and spent time with the Suns until September 2022, before originally pursuing his opportunity with the NFL’s International Player Pathway program in 2023.

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Patrick Murtaugh TE Australia 🇦🇺

A late addition to the combine, the former Aussie rules football player Wasa pleasant suprise

The tall athlete caught the ball well & looked crisp running routes

He also punted after the combine for scouts and absolutely bombed the ball #afl pic.twitter.com/NOpsIDOCY1

— Alex Malchow (@euroballchow) October 6, 2022

Established in 2017, the NFL International Player Pathway Program (NFL IPP)  program aims to provide elite international athletes with the opportunity to compete at the NFL level, improve their skills and ultimately work to earn a spot on an NFL roster. So far, the program has helped players such as Efe Obada (Washington Commanders/UK), Jordan Mailata (Philadelphia Eagles/Australia),and Jakob Johnson (Las Vegas Raiders /Germany) earn roster spots in the NFL.