Lions Add TE through International Pathway Program
The Detroit Lions were able to add an Australian tight end to their NFL roster for the 2023 season through the International Player Pathway (IPP) program.
Patrick Murtagh, 23, is a 6-foot-5, 220-pound tight end that was previously an Aussie Rules player on the Gold Coast Suns developmental team.
According to a league memo, "Established in 2017, the NFL International Player Pathway program aims to provide elite athletes from around the world with the opportunity to earn a spot on an NFL roster and increase the number of international players in the League."
Detroit also drafted tight end Sam LaPorta in the recently completed 2023 NFL Draft.
“To see this hugely talented group of players be allocated to NFL rosters is very exciting, and a testament to the success of the NFL’s global football development programs for international athletes,” said Peter O’Reilly, NFL executive vice president, club business, major events & international. “The International Player Pathway is a critical program in identifying, supporting and enabling athletes from around the world and we look forward to seeing each players’ NFL journey unfold as they become global ambassadors for the sport.”
Murtagh will also be in competition with LaPorta, Brock Wright, Shane Zylstra, James Mitchell and Derrick Deese.
Following the conclusion of the season, Detroit's coaching staff added former NFL tight end Steve Heiden.
Despite working with a young group of tight ends this upcoming season, Heiden believes in core values that really haven't changed much since he and head coach Dan Campbell were playing in the league.
“To its core, football hasn’t changed since me and Dan (Campbell) were playing the position,” Heiden said. “I think it’s still about physicality first, and you go into the game with that mindset and that approach. Most of the time, the rest will take care of itself.”
