Chasing the NFL Dream: The Journey of International Prospects
Each year, a diverse group of young hopefuls enters the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program, often with little to no experience in American football. While some have thrived in other sports, others come without any professional athletic background. Yet, they all share a common aspiration: to make it in the NFL. This year, 13 aspiring athletes completed ten weeks of rigorous training in Bradenton, Florida, culminating in pro day workouts at the University of South Florida in nearby Tampa.
The IPP participants showcased their skills before NFL scouts, hoping to secure a spot in the league’s annual player draft from April 24 to 26. Should they go undrafted, they still have the chance to sign with any of the 32 NFL teams as free agents. However, for some, the journey may come to an end, forcing them to explore different paths.
Since the program’s inception in 2017, 41 IPP graduates have signed with NFL teams, with 23 currently on team rosters. Notable success stories include Jordan Mailata, a former rugby league player from Australia who achieved Super Bowl glory in February as an offensive lineman for the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Athletic spoke with members from previous IPP classes, alongside one athlete from the current group, to delve into their experiences. They shared insights about mastering extensive playbooks and the reality of making it to the NFL.
Alex Gray: From Rugby to Gladiators
Alex Gray, a former captain of the England Under-20 rugby union team, was part of the inaugural IPP group eight years ago. He spent 2017 to 2019 as a tight end on the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad but has since transitioned to stardom on the BBC’s Saturday night game show Gladiators.
At 33 years old and hailing from County Durham in the northeast of England, Gray had never played American football before joining the IPP, having only experienced it through the John Madden NFL video games. Excited by the challenge, he was eager to move on after missing a chance to represent Great Britain in Rugby Sevens at the 2016 Olympics due to injury, which made him fall out of love with the sport.
Gray revealed how the IPP program pushed him beyond his comfort zone: “I’d always been known as ‘Alex Gray, the rugby player,’ but now I see myself as ‘Alex Gray, incredibly dedicated and driven, who just happened to be good at rugby.’” He emphasized the importance of hard work and seizing opportunities, stating, “As crazy a dream as you might have, all it takes is one phone call from the right person and the hard work to make it a reality.”
While rugby training focused on endurance, training for Gladiators requires a mix of everything due to its varied physical challenges. Gray reflects, “Being a rugby player and American football player is as close to being a real-life gladiator as you can get, and that has prepared me well for this new career.”
Christian Scotland-Williamson: From Rugby to the Legal Field
Christian Scotland-Williamson, who was signed by the Worcester Warriors while studying for a Master’s in international business, caught the attention of NFL scouts in 2017 with a standout tackle. He joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as a tight end in 2018, sharing the same IPP class as his friend Mailata.
“I had frustrations with rugby, feeling misunderstood by some coaches, which limited my opportunities,” he explained. “But once I boarded that plane, I adopted a mentality of burning the ships.” His determination was evident as he rented an apartment close to the training facility, immersing himself in the rigorous NFL culture.
Scotland-Williamson took a strategic approach to learning the complex playbook, applying his academic background. “The playbook was a non-negotiable. I treated it like my studies, using cue cards every night,” he recalled. He even consulted a Harvard professor specializing in hypnosis to enhance his learning process.
During his time with the Steelers, he faced challenges from the coaching staff but ultimately gained respect through hard work. “I was getting quality practice every day from the best in the league,” he noted. Unfortunately, injuries cut his time short after two seasons, but his journey has led him to a promising career as a sports commentator and barrister.
Mapalo Mwansa: From YouTube Inspiration to IPP Class of ’25
Mapalo Mwansa’s life changed dramatically after a chance encounter with a YouTube video featuring sprinter Eugene Amo-Dadzie, known as the world’s fastest accountant. Inspired by Amo-Dadzie’s story of achieving greatness against the odds, Mwansa pursued American football while studying economics and finance at Loughborough University.
At just 20 years old, Mwansa’s journey has been remarkable. He participated in the IPP this year, which included an intense schedule of training sessions, film study, and conditioning. “It’s a 10-week process to transform dreams into reality,” he explained, detailing the daily routine that begins with breakfast at 8 am and ends with evening film study.
His experiences in the IPP have taught him valuable life lessons about hard work and perseverance. “I believe that if I can pull this off, it can inspire others who see themselves as underdogs,” he said, expressing his commitment to making his dream a reality.
Darragh Leader: From JP Morgan to Coaching the Next Generation
Darragh Leader, a former professional rugby union player, turned his focus to American football after earning an MBA scholarship at Clemson University. After participating in last year’s IPP class, he played a season in the European League of Football (ELF) for the Swarco Raiders Tirol, excelling as a punter and kicker.
Recently, he made the decision to leave his corporate job at JP Morgan to join his brother Tadhg at Leader Kicking, a business dedicated to helping aspiring kickers and punters secure places in U.S. college football. “I decided to focus on helping the next generation of athletes,” he remarked, highlighting the potential of European athletes in the American football landscape.
During his time in the IPP, Leader faced challenges, including a significant injury. However, he remains optimistic about the future, using his experiences to mentor young athletes aspiring to break into the NFL.
Aaron Donkor: Embracing the Language of Football
Aaron Donkor, who previously played in the German Football League, joined the IPP in 2021 and spent time with the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad. Following his NFL journey, he competed in various leagues, including the XFL and CFL, ultimately winning the ELF title with Rhein Fire.
Donkor emphasizes the importance of understanding the “language of football” for international players. “It’s about applying your skills at the right moment,” he stated, reflecting on his experiences in the IPP and how they prepared him for the challenges ahead.
As the NFL continues to expand its global reach, Donkor is hopeful about his future and the opportunity to showcase the beauty of American football to a wider audience.
Ayo Oyelola: The Londoner on the Quest for the NFL
Ayo Oyelola, a Londoner with a background in soccer, has participated in two NFL pre-seasons and was selected for the IPP twice. After facing setbacks in his initial attempt, he found success in the CFL, winning the Grey Cup with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
Oyelola reflects on his journey, stating, “It’s a monumental task trying to make the NFL in just ten weeks, but the lessons learned are invaluable.” He credits the program with enhancing his personal growth and deepening his faith.
As he prepares for the upcoming NFL training camps as a free agent, Oyelola remains committed to pursuing his dream, inspired by the belief that hard work and resilience can lead to success.
(Top photo of Mapalo Mwansa: NFL UK & Ireland)
