As part of the NFL’s new International Player Pathway Program, Alex Gray (Falcons, from UK), Alex Jenkins (Saints, from UK), Eric Nzeocha (Buccaneers, from Germany) and Efe Obada (Panthers, from UK) will be carried on their respective teams’ practice squads during the 2017 season, the league announced Thursday.
The four NFC South teams each will be given an exemption to carry 11 practice squad players. NFL teams otherwise are allowed to carry just 10. The division was chosen in a random draw.
While the four practice squad players from overseas will not be eligible to be activated to their teams’ active rosters during the season, former NFL defensive end Osi Umenyiora says they’re getting a unique opportunity.
SCHEDULE: 2017 NFL international games
“This is going to change people’s lives,” said Umenyiora, who has overseen training of the players over the last few months. “They have a great opportunity. They are going to be seen not only by their new teams but by everyone who might imagine they can be NFL players.
“They will inspire people around the globe; people who never thought they had a chance to make it to the NFL. Now they see they have a viable pathway. These guys have worked very hard for this chance and I am confident they will make a great contribution to their teams while improving their skills and understanding of the game.”
The league did not immediately disclose pay figures for the four international players, but typical practice squad players earn a minimum of $6,300 per week in the regular season. They’re often used as scout-team players in regular-season practices, helping the team prepare for its next opponent.
“This is an important part of the league’s overall strategy to grow internationally,” said Mark Waller, NFL executive vice president of international and events. “We are building this pathway program to provide international athletes with the opportunity to play in the league, which will increase the pool of talent, inspire others and ultimately drive fan growth.”
Below are bios for the four players, via the NFL’s release.
Alex Gray, tight end (UK), age 26 — Atlanta Falcons
Alex Jenkins, defensive end (UK), age 24 — New Orleans Saints
Eric Nzenocha, linebacker (Germany), age 24 — Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Efe Obada, defensive end (UK), age 25 — Carolina Panthers
“I have been working hard for this goal and to be told it was going to happen was an amazing moment,” he said. “This is the start of another journey. It is a fantastic thing that is happening, but I am not going to get to where I want to be without keeping myself grounded. Making the decision to give this my all from rugby, there was a big transition period and it was mentally very humbling. When you have to start from scratch again, that was a huge mental battle for me. When I look back I will be very proud of the way I approached this.”
“This is a chance to develop and become a player in the NFL,” Jenkins said. “It has been a pretty intense time. It feels too good to be true. I always thought I would be trying to do this on my own until NFL International found me. The fact that the Saints will be playing in London this season (vs. Miami Dolphins at Wembley Stadium on Oct. 1) makes it even more exciting for me.”
“It is overwhelming, one of the greatest moments of my life,” said Nzeocha when hearing the news of his placement. “It has been my dream since I started playing football at the age of 14. When they told me this was happening I was overwhelmed. I am looking forward to it so much. It’s unreal.”
“I am very happy and excited about the opportunity,” he said. “I feel like this is something I need to progress and further my career. I am very grateful to the guys who have worked with us and put their neck on the lines for us. It’s a chance to develop my skills and it is going to be nice to be in that NFL environment again.”
