NFL to expand practice squad capacity, benefitting international players
The NFL announced Wednesday that it will allow teams to add an extra practice squad player, so long as that player is international.
The expanded practice squad with the international flavor goes into effect in 2024. The NFL says it wants to “create more opportunities for talented athletes from around the world to be identified and developed in the game of football.” That’s why it will allow teams to sign 17 players, as opposed to the normal 16.
The NFL defines an international player as someone whose citizenship and main residence are outside of either the United States or Canada. Each player can have a maximum of two years of high school in the United States. who have a maximum of two years of United States high school experience. And the player must have been eligible for a prior NFL Draft.
NFL created its international program in 2017
The NFL created an International Player Pathway program in 2017. The league teams can sign players who are participating in this program. Or, they can scout and identify their own.
Starting next year, teams will receive a training camp roster exemption for the international players. Once the season starts, a team can elevate an international player up to three times.
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There already are 37 international players who have signed with NFL teams since 2017. Nineteen are on rosters right now. Led by a Commanders contingent, five of them are on active rosters. They are Jordan Mailata (Australia, Eagles), Efe Obada (United Kingdom, Commanders), Jakob Johnson (Germany, Raiders), Sammis Reyes (Chile, Commanders) and David Bada (Germany, Commanders).
From 2017-22, one NFL division participated in the international program. The program expanded to two divisions this year — AFC West and NFC North.
“The game grows and improves with global talent from around the world who inspire the next generation in their home nation,” said Troy Vincent, NFL Executive Vice President, Football Operations. “This League-wide initiative paves the way for more international athletes to demonstrate that football has a place for everyone.”