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Is it just me or did April Fools this year just fall flat. There’s so much misinformation floating circulating on a daily basis, that the idea that we would dedicated a specific day to intentionally share untruths just seems a little… lets be diplomatic and say antiquated.
Is it just me or did April Fools this year just fall flat. There’s so much misinformation floating circulating on a daily basis, that the idea that we would dedicated a specific day to intentionally share untruths just seems a little… lets be diplomatic and say antiquated.
It’s on the topic of April Fools that made the timing of this piece of news feel suspicious. However, we can now confirm that Jordan Petaia, former Wallaby and Queenslander, has secured a contract in the NFL.
The former “utility back” has made an impression on scouting staff during the NFL’s International Player Pathway (IPP) training program in Florida. 25 year old Petaia has signed an initial three year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers.
https://x.com/chargers/status/1907596505160233416?s=46
Petaia has signed as a Tight End, a position fans may be familiar with through the growing profile of Travis Kelce and George Kittle. The position has also grown in importance on the actual field, with the position group being included in Netflix’s most recent NFL documentary “Receiver”.
Rugby players who transition from union into the NFL have typically targeted a roster spot by honing Wide Receiver and Running Back skills. In this instance, Petaia has gravitated towards being a Tight End which typically has less competition and is therefore less congested. For example in the 2024 NFL Draft, 35 Wide Receivers were drafted and 20 Running Backs made the jump from college, whereas only 12 Tight Ends were selected. In layman's terms, a Tight End would be of a similar size profile to rugby's newest coveted position, the lock/blindside flank. While Pieter-Steph Du Toit is slightly taller than the average Tight End, his balance of weight and athleticism is bang on.
https://x.com/reds_rugby/status/1907598455201292658?s=46
There’s a long road ahead for Petaia who is about to enter the production line of voluntary workouts, training camp and pre season. There are lots of roster cuts along the way, talk of practice squad, however each team are given their own IPP slot on the roster, an additional roster spot. Another intriguing aspect of this news, is not only the position of choice, but the team he’s chosen to sign with. The Los Angeles Chargers are in need of weapons for star Quarterback Justin Herbert to throw to and the Tight End room is light on talent.
The draft takes place later this month, so the Chargers still have time to make moves, however with some shred decision making, Petaia’s NFL career is off to a good start.