Jordan Petaia leaves rugby to pursue his dream in the NFL
Australian player Jordan Petaia, 24 years old and with 31 caps for the Wallabies, announced on Today that he is stepping away from rugby to pursue his dream of playing in the NFL. The Queensland Reds center shared in a statement on social media that this decision was not easy and took a lot of thoughtful consideration.
Jordan will join the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program, which allows athletes from other sports to be recruited by one of the league’s 32 teams. According to the NFL, several athletes from different sports have joined NFL teams after participating in the training program.
Petaia’s decision follows in the footsteps of fellow Australian Jordan Mailata, who came from rugby league and joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018 through the same program. Mailata has since signed a three-year, $66 million contract extension with the Eagles.
This marks a major turning point in Petaia’s career, as he transitions from proving his skills on rugby fields to now seeking to make a name for himself in American football. He is part of the growing trend of international athletes finding a path into the NFL, particularly those coming from rugby backgrounds.
While Petaia’s future in the NFL remains to be seen, his move to the NFL represents a huge challenge but also an exciting opportunity to showcase his athletic potential in a completely different sport.
