Ireland and Australia Are Coming To The NFL
NFL Europe used to be a thing. It served as the developmental minor league of the NFL. It existed in various forms between 1989 and 2007. Apparently the seeds that were sown by NFL Europe have borne international fruit. Because Ireland and Australia are coming to the NFL with two new signings.
Both players, Charlie Smyth and Louis Rees-Zammit, participated in the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program earlier in March.
Charlie Smyth, formerly the goalkeeper for Gaelic football club Down In Ireland, has signed with the New Orleans Saints. Paul Sheehy of ProStarSports announced the signing on social media: “CONGRATULATIONS to Ireland’s own @csmyth2601 on signing with the @Saints! Team effort with @TadhgLeader @James07Cook @NFL IPP. A big step in the journey for the @officialDownGAA goalkeeper!”
Check out the video provided by NFL UK showing Smyth kicking a 63 yard field goal. I’m sure the Saints hope to see more of that in the upcoming season.
Louis Rees-Zammit will be joining the Kansas City Chiefs. The European Rugby star could be a running back or wide receiver, potentially giving Mahomes another offensive weapon. But they hope he makes an immediate impact on special teams as a returns specialist. Particularly in view of the new NFL kickoff format. At the International Program Rees-Zammit ran a 4.43 in the 40 yard dash.
It seems like both players have tremendous upside and will be able to assist their respective teams. And apparently the NFL wants more international players to join their teams.
Ireland and Australia Are Coming To The NFL
For the first time ever, each team will have a 17th roster spot on the practice squad specifically available for an international player. And during the season each international player can be elevated to the 53-man roster a maximum of three times.
Last but not least, each team receives one training camp roster exemption for a qualifying international player. That’s an excellent provision because they won’t have to lose a training camp spot to bring in an international player.
I’m looking forward to seeing what these players can do both on and off the field. Bringing in some international flavor could add more spice to the games and their respective communities. NFL Europe may be gone but its legacy lives on.
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