The Los Angeles Chargers have made an exciting addition to their roster by signing tight end Jordan Petaia. Petaia’s journey to the NFL is unique, as he joins the Chargers as part of the International Player Pathway (IPP) training program. Here are five important points to know about this new player.
First off, Petaia hails from Australia. Born in Werribee, Victoria, he was raised in Brisbane. For the past ten weeks, he has been training in the United States at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, honing his skills and preparing for the opportunity of a lifetime. On March 26, he showcased his abilities during a pro day at the University of South Florida.
Measuring in at a solid 6-foot-3 and weighing 226 pounds, Petaia impressed scouts by running the 40-yard dash in just 4.58 seconds, and he leaped an impressive 40.5 inches in the vertical jump, according to reports from ESPN Australia & NZ.
Petaia is not new to high-level competition, as he has a successful background in rugby. He made history by being the youngest player to compete in two Rugby World Cups for his country, participating in both 2019 and 2023. He made his national team debut at just 19 years old and primarily played as a center back. Most recently, he played for the Queensland Reds, where he played 58 games and scored 80 points.
As he joins the Chargers, Petaia is set to be part of their tight end room, which currently includes players like Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin. He will be working alongside tight ends coach Andy Bischoff, who also serves as the run game coordinator.
Finally, it’s essential to understand the significance of the IPP. Petaia is part of the Class of 2025, an initiative established in 2017 aimed at fostering global football talent and providing elite athletes from other sports a chance to join the NFL. Since the program’s inception, it has seen 41 international players find spots with NFL teams through various pathways. The Chargers recently featured defensive lineman CJ Okoye from the IPP in their roster.
With great potential and a unique background, Jordan Petaia’s addition to the Chargers highlights the team’s commitment to not only enhancing their roster but also embracing talent from around the world.
