Former Wallabies player Jordan Petaia is set to chase his long-held ambition of playing in the NFL after securing a coveted spot on the league's international player pathway (IPP) program. The 24-year-old was unveiled as the inaugural athlete of the program's 2025 class on Tuesday. Petaia will travel to the US in January for an intensive 10-week training camp in Florida, where he will get the chance to showcase his skills to NFL scouts and potentially earn a roster spot.

Petaia explained that it was the right moment to leave the Queensland Reds, with his contract having ended in November and his recovery from a shoulder injury now complete. He departs rugby union after earning 31 caps for Australia and becoming the youngest player to participate in two Rugby World Cups, in Japan in 2019 and France in 2023.

"The decision to leave rugby was not easy and required a lot of thought," he said. "I want to thank the staff, coaches, and players at the Queensland Reds and the Wallabies for the past seven years. I will always be thankful for the experiences, skills, and friendships these teams have given me."

"It feels like the right time, given my age and stage in life, to pursue this long-held dream. I am grateful to everyone involved in the NFL IPP program for providing me with this unique opportunity. I am very thankful and excited for the journey ahead. I wish everyone in Rugby Australia the best for 2025 – I hope it's a great year, and I will be cheering from a distance."

Petaia aims to emulate Jordan Mailata, the Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle from southwest Sydney. Mailata is one of only six players to have transitioned from the IPP program to an NFL club's active roster since the scheme began in 2017. Former Wales international Louis Rees-Zammit is currently on the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad after joining the pathway in January 2024.

Born in Melbourne and raised in Brisbane, Petaia was thrust into the limelight as a fresh-faced 19-year-old by then-Wallabies coach Michael Cheika at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, scoring against Uruguay with just his second touch of the ball on his international debut. He featured again four years later under Eddie Jones in France, but injuries plagued his rugby career and he struggled to find a consistent position.

During his six-year stint in Super Rugby, Petaia played in the centers, on the wing, and at fullback. His skill set and physical attributes suggest he could be suited to several positions in American football, including wide receiver or tight end. Petaia, who played 58 games for the Reds and scored 80 points, will train at the NFL Academy campus on the Gold Coast in preparation for the US camp.

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