NFL expands international program; Browns can add one additional player to practice squad
The NFL announced an expansion to the International Player Pathway Program (IPP). The program allows teams to sign non-Canadian and American players to a group without counting toward their roster number. The program was started in 2017 by the NFL to help build the sport globally. When the program was initially launched the NFL selected one AFC and one NFC conference to participate year. The expansion of the IPP will allow the Cleveland Browns and all NFL teams to participate starting in the 2024 season.
In the past, the NFL has tried to export the game of football to the global market. The most famous example was their investment in NFL Europe during the turn of the century. The league was meant to cultivate European and foreign talent for the NFL, but it quickly descended into a developmental league for American players. This caused some alienation between European fans and their local American teams and the league folded after a decade due to the low interest.
The IPP has been one of the more successful ventures for the NFL. The program’s most notable alumnus is Jordan Mailata, a former rugby player from Australia who has developed into one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Mailata was selected in 2018 by the Eagles, the same year the Browns selected Tigie Sankoh, a defensive back from England.
I am sure Andrew Berry looks forward to seeing the international talent in the off-season. The young general manager, hungry to improve the team, and his reputation, will want to outdo his former mentor, Eagles’ general manager Howie Roseman.
The expansion of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program is a great move by Roger Goodell and the NFL to help grow the sport. Growing the sport became a major focus for the Commissioner.
