The NFL has announced 16 players for the International Pathway Program for the new season. One German is not included – but one Austrian is.

The NFL’s International Pathway Program (IPP) for the 2024 season includes eleven players at offensive and defensive positions as well as a new group of five European kicking and punting specialists.

Launched in 2017, the program offers top international athletes the opportunity to improve their American football skills and get the chance to play at the NFL level.

“As we focus on growing the game globally, expanding international talent within the NFL is critical – it connects our sport with fans around the world,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL Executive Vice President International, Club Business and Major Events.

He added: “The 2024 program participants are an elite, diverse group of athletes, and we look forward to following their journeys in the months ahead. “

NFL: No Germans involved – but one ELF player

Unfortunately, there are no Germans this year, but there are some interesting players.

Goalkeepers Mark Jackson, Rory Beggan and Charlie Smyth from Ireland come from Gaelic football backgrounds, while England’s Harry Mallinder plays rugby in Tokyo after spending a long spell with Premiership side Northampton and playing Leader Rugby Union for Connacht in Ireland.

Other participants include Australians Jotham Russell from Rugby League and Patrick Murtagh from Aussie Rules Football, Welshman Louis Rees-Zammit from Rugby Union and basketball player Bayron Matos from the Dominican Republic.

With the Nigerians Sam Orji, Isaac Ajanah, Udo Uzuegbu and Praise Olatoke, the Austrian Florian Bierbaumer and England’s George Smith, the field is completed by players who are already active in American football. Bierbaumer last played for the Vienna Vikings in the European League of Football (ELF).

Since its launch in 2017, the IPP has seen 37 players sign contracts with NFL teams and 18 players are now in NFL squads or reserve teams, including Germans Jakob Johnson, David Bada and Marcel Dabo.

The players will begin training at IMG Academy later this month and will appear before NFL scouts in March. Clubs will be allowed to allocate an additional 17th practice-squad spot to an IPP player.