Former Ulster rugby star Aaron Sexton to participate in NFL International Player Pathway programme
AMERICAN DREAM: Former Ulster rugby player Aaron Sexton has been included in the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) Class of 2025.
Former Ulster rugby player Aaron Sexton has been included in the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) Class of 2025, which features 14 athletes representing 13 nations around the world.
Sexton joins the programme, where he will aim to impress as a wide receiver and kick returner, after showing a high level of athletic ability from a young age, winning the national sprint championship when he was 16, before playing rugby for Ulster as well as the Ireland 7’s team.
As part of the programme, Sexton will begin training in the United States at IMG Academy and will have the opportunity to showcase their talents to NFL club scouts.
Established in 2017, the IPP programme identifies elite global talent with the aim of providing selected athletes the opportunity to improve and develop their skills, and ultimately earn a spot on an NFL roster.
Starting in January 2025, athletes on the programme will be invited to train in American football — both on the field and in the classroom — for 10 weeks at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, before showcasing their skills in front of NFL club scouts as part of the University of South Florida’s Pro Day in March.
Players can be signed as a free agent or, if eligible, selected during the 2025 NFL Draft. Each NFL club is permitted one roster exemption for a qualifying international player from the start of the club’s offseason program through the roster reduction to 53 players.
At that time, qualifying international players - including Sexton - are eligible to be signed to a 17th practice squad roster spot reserved for international athletes across any of the 32 teams.
“The Class of 2025 is an exciting one, and we are delighted to welcome these talented athletes from around the world to the International Player Pathway program,” said Executive Vice President International, Events and Club Business at the NFL Peter O’Reilly.
“Focusing on our global football development efforts and fostering international talent is crucial to growing our game globally.
"The IPP program offers life-changing opportunities for international talent, and we look forward to following their progress in the weeks and months ahead.”
