Former Brisbane Broncos development squad member Jotham Russell is one of two Australians to have been chosen for the 2024 class of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program.
The Canberra-born Russell played prop for Tweed Seagulls under 21’s in 2023 but is now off to the US where he’ll train in front of NFL scouts in March.
In an interview with CODE Sports, Russell understands how big an opportunity this is.
I’m very excited, the closer it gets to more real it feels,” he said.
“You count down the days, so I’m keen to get there, switch on fully and get the (training) schedule.
“It’s a huge opportunity.”
The program gives 16 international athletes the chance of cracking onto an NFL roster.
Cowboys centre Valentine Holmes was a part of the program in 2019, joining the New York Jets practice squad and featuring in pre-season games before deciding to return to Australia and sign a multimillion-dollar contract with North Queensland a year later.
According to CODE, Russell has been earmarked as a potential defensive lineman.
The other Australian on the list of 16 athletes named by the NFL is Patrick Murtagh.
A tight end prospect, this is Murtagh’s second year in the program after he was signed by the Detroit Lions last season before being cut.
It is understood Murtagh was released from the Lions due to a hip issue, which he has since had surgery to rectify.
“The dream is still there and the goal is still there in mind and we’re not going to stop until we reach it,” he told CODE Sports.
The NFL released a statement with the announcement of the 16 international athletes, believing focusing on the “global growth of the game is critical”.
