Former rugby union international Jordan Petaia is one step closer to achieving his long-held dream of playing in the NFL after signing a deal with the Los Angeles Chargers as a tight end.
Petaia, who earned 31 caps for the Wallabies, made the decision to leave rugby union late last year after securing a coveted spot in the league’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program. This program is designed to help athletes from various sports transition into American football, and it provided Petaia with the opportunity to showcase his talents. The former Queensland Reds star underwent a rigorous 10-week training program at the IMG Academy in Florida earlier this year, where he was not only put through on-field drills but also immersed in classroom sessions to learn the intricacies of the NFL game. After completing the program, Petaia had the chance to trial in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams.
The Chargers, who finished second in their conference last season, were impressed by Petaia’s potential and announced that they had signed him to their roster. As a qualifying international player, Petaia will occupy an exemption spot under the NFL’s new rules, allowing him to be called up to the roster at any point during the season.
Petaia’s versatility on the rugby field, where he has played across multiple positions in the backline, makes him well-suited for the tight end role in American football. The tight end position requires a combination of strength, speed, and agility qualities that Petaia honed during his rugby career. His ability to adapt and transition from one sport to another has given him a significant edge as he enters this new chapter in his athletic career.
He is joining a growing group of Australians who have made the leap from other sports to the NFL. This includes former NRL player Valentine Holmes, who now plays for the New York Jets, and Philadelphia Eagles’ Jordan Mailata, who became the first Australian to win a Super Bowl ring in 2024. Mailata, an IPP alumni from the 2018 class, has been particularly supportive of Petaia’s journey. Reflecting on Petaia’s success, Mailata expressed his pride and excitement for his fellow Australian, calling the opportunity “tremendous” for Petaia’s career.
Mailata also highlighted the significance of Petaia being based on the West Coast in Los Angeles, making the transition easier for him while remaining closer to home. He believes the Chargers will be fully invested in helping Petaia reach his full potential, and he is confident that Petaia will embrace the process and make the most of the opportunity.
Petaia himself has long been a fan of the NFL and said that when he first won a spot in the IPP, it felt like a dream come true. The IPP program, launched in 2017, seeks out untapped talent from across the globe, particularly from countries like Australia, where the sport has a strong following. The program has allowed athletes like Petaia to develop their skills and eventually earn a spot on an NFL roster.
This move also fits into the NFL’s broader strategy to expand its reach in the Asia-Pacific region, where Australia is seen as a growing market with an increasing fan base. The NFL has been investing in the region, opening offices in Australia and promoting the sport through initiatives like the NFL Flag football program. In 2026, the NFL will host its first regular season game in Australia, to be played at the MCG, further cementing the league’s commitment to growing its presence in the country.
For Petaia, the chance to play in the NFL marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career, and fans will be eager to see how he transitions from rugby union to American football.
