The NFL is always looking to acquire international talent in their league and the brass has figured out a way with the International Player Pathway Program.
The International Player Pathway (IPP) is a program run by the National Football League (NFL) to increase the number of non-American and non-Canadian players in the NFL. The program is an important part of the NFL’s overall strategy to grow internationally because it provides international athletes with the opportunity to play in the league which will increase the pool of talent.
The idea is a brainchild of former New York Giants pass rusher, Osi Umenyiora, and will benefit the Eagles after they acquired former Iowa State pass rusher, Matt Leo.
#Eagles have acquired DE Matt Leo as part of the International Player Pathway Program. pic.twitter.com/Gd6QfgBvZp
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 27, 2020
The Eagles are familiar with the program and used it to land Jordan Mailata a few years back.
Leo, an Adelaide, Australia native, transferred to Iowa State from Arizona Western Community College.
In 2029, Leo was a key reserve at defensive end for the Cyclones, playing in all 13 games … posting 14 tackles, 5.5 TFL, and one sack.