JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On Monday, The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Australian tight end Patrick Murtagh.
Murtagh, standing at 6-6 and weighing 250 pounds, is part of the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) program Class of 2024.
Formerly a national-level decathlete and Queensland state champion in high school, Murtagh initially pursued Australian Rules Football, signing with the AFL's Gold Coast Suns at 19. However, in 2023, he transitioned to the NFL's IPP program. Despite a brief stint with the Detroit Lions in 2023 cut short due to a medical issue, Murtagh has now secured a spot with the Jaguars.
The IPP program, established in 2017, offers elite international athletes the chance to compete in the NFL, refine their skills, and vie for a spot on an NFL roster. Murtagh and others trained at IMG Academy in the U.S. and showcased their abilities to NFL scouts in March. As of the 2024 season, IPP athletes can fill a 17th practice squad roster spot, following a rule change allowing for international players.
