The NFL on Monday announced its International Player Pathway program Class of 2026, featuring 13 athletes representing 10 countries.
A total of 70 international players have signed with NFL teams since the program's inception and 22 are currently on NFL rosters.
Here is a look at five notable players who have come out of the International Player Pathway program.
COUNTRY: Nigeria/United Kingdom
Obada became the first player from the International Player Pathway program to make a 53-man roster (2018, Carolina Panthers). Obada played for the Panthers, Buffalo Bills and Washington Commanders during his seven-year career. He logged 15 sacks, 92 total tackles, one forced fumble and one interception in 80 games.
COUNTRY: Australia
ï»żThe Eagles star offensive lineman is the most accomplished player out of the IPP program, earning second-team All-Pro honors in 2024. Philadelphia selected Mailata in the seventh round of the 2018 draft and he has started 72 games since 2021 (11th-most among all OT during that span). Mailata has appeared in two Super Bowls and won Super Bowl LIX with Philly last season.
COUNTRY: Germany
The Texans fullback has played for four teams since he joined the league in 2019 (New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, Houston). Johnson has played in 77 games with 37 starts. He has 19 career receptions for 105 yards with one touchdown in his career.
COUNTRY: United Kingdom
Wade spent three seasons in the NFL from 2019 to 2021, all with the Buffalo Bills. The former rugby star notably had a 65-yard touchdown run on his first carry in a preseason game against the Colts in 2019.
COUNTRY: Ireland
Smyth joined the Saints in 2025 after previously playing Gaelic football as a goalkeeper at the senior level for the Down county team. He became the first Gaelic Athletic Association player to sign an NFL contract and connected on a 56-yard field goal in his NFL debut this season. Smyth also converted his first-career onside kick attempt in Week 13 against the Dolphins.
