Patrick Murtagh’s journey in the NFL is set to continue with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Murtagh, a former standout in Australian Rules Football and aspiring NFL tight end has been selected to join the Jaguars as part of the NFL’s International Pathway Program (IPP) Class of 2024.
As an IPP player, Murtagh has the opportunity to participate in the Jaguars’ training camp. If he doesn’t secure a spot on the 53-player roster, he can still be retained as an additional developmental player on the practice squad. Ayo Oyelola, a defensive back, has been with the Jaguars under the IPP program for the past two seasons.
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Standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 250 pounds, Murtagh previously spent time with the Detroit Lions during the 2023 offseason as part of the IPP program before departing from the team in May due to undisclosed medical reasons.
Before pursuing football in the United States, Murtagh showcased his athleticism in various sports in Australia. He excelled as a national-level decathlete and won the Queensland state championship in high school. Initially participating in an international scouting combine in London, Murtagh was then selected as one of 12 prospects to undergo a 10-week training camp at IMG Academy in Florida.
Despite initially embarking on a pathway in Australian Rules Football and signing with the AFL’s Gold Coast Suns at 19, Murtagh shifted his focus to the NFL’s International Player Pathway program in 2023.
Established in 2017, the IPP program is designed to offer elite international athletes the chance to compete in the NFL, refine their skills, and strive towards earning a spot on an NFL roster.
