Two French people in the NFL international program

Since 2017, the NFL has implemented the “IPP” (International Player Pathway) program to promote the development of American football around the world. Each year, a few hand-picked athletes are selected to have a chance to play in the NFL. Coming from other sports such as rugby, there are 14 lucky winners for the new vintage.

Starting in January 2025, they will be invited to train and study for 2 months at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. They will then have the opportunity to showcase their talent in front of NFL scouts at the University of South Florida's Pro Day next March. Players can then be signed as free agents or, if eligible, be selected in the Draft.

Since its creation, 41 international players have signed in the NFL thanks to this program. 23 athletes are still on NFL rosters, and 6 of them have participated in games. We note in particular the presence of Jordan Mailata (Australia), starting tackle for the Eagles, or even Efe Obada (England), defensive end for the Commanders.

14 selected including 2 French people who dream of NFL

For this new version, France is the second best represented country behind Australia. Two French players, Joachim Trouabal and Macéo Beard-Aigret, are present on the list. The first is an international rugby sevens player playing as a winger. At 24, he already has 7 caps with the national team and notably played for Racing 92 when he was still playing at XV.

The second, also 24 years old, is on the other hand a regular on American football fields. He plays as a defensive back with the Paris Mousquetaires but has been in the industry for around ten years, with stints at Montereau, Pessac and Thonon. Very successful on European pitches, he was voted best defensive player in the ELF in 2023 with 8 interceptions and 2 touchdowns to his credit. He then played for the Swiss team Helvetic Guards.

The complete list of selected athletes