Jordan Petaia confirms move to NFL international pathway program

Former Reds and Wallabies back Jordan Petaia has confirmed he will pursue his American Football dream in 2025.

Petaia will join the NFL's international pathway program, following in the footsteps of Welsh star Louis Rees-Zammit and NRL star Valentine Holmes.

The program has developed the likes of Australian star Jordan Maliata, who helped the Philadelphia Eagles reach the Super Bowl in 2022-23.

"I would like to take a moment to share that I will be joining the NFL international pathway program (IPP) for 2025," he said via social media.

"The decision to step away from Rugby hasn’t been easy and one that took a great deal of consideration. I’d like to thank the staff, coaches and players at the Queensland Reds and the Wallabies for the last 7 years.

"I will be forever grateful for the experiences, skills and good mates that these teams have blessed me with. Also to the rugby fans, my family and friends - thank you for your support over the years. It feels like the right time in my career to pursue this dream I've had for a long time.

"Thank you to the NFL IPP for giving me this once in a life time opportunity, I am very grateful and excited for the experience that lies ahead.

"Wishing everyone in Rugby Australia the best for 2025 - I hope it’s a great year and I will be supporting closely from afar."

The NFL has run the International Player Pathway program since 2017 to attract athletes from around the world to play American Football.

It allows the 32 teams to carry an extra member on their off-season roster or practice squad to help their development.

Former English Sevens stars Alex Gray and Christian Wade are among the former Rugby Union players to join the program, with former English Rugby player Travis Clayton drafted from the program in 2024.

Petaia will head to the IMG Academy in Florida in January to begin his education in American football, with Reds coach Les Kiss giving the 31-capped Wallaby his blessings.

“Jordie has been a great Reds player,” Kiss said. “We only wish him the best with his ambitions in American football. We support him.

“He represented the Queensland jersey proudly as one of the most dynamic players in Australia, if not the world. A key trait is all he gives in the locker room to younger players.”

Petaia debuted for the Reds in 2018 and was selected for his Wallabies debut in 2019 as a 19-year-old.