The Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday announced they have signed tight end Jordan Petaia.
He joins the Bolts as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) training program.
Here are five things to know about Petaia:
1. Hails from Australia
Petaia was born in Werribee, Victoria but was raised in Brisbane, Australia.
The rugby star has been in the United States training in the IPP program for over 10 weeks at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. He showcased his skills at a pro day at the University of South Florida on March 26.
2. Strong measurables
Petaia measured in at 6-foot-3 and weighed 226 pounds at the IPP Pro Day.
He also ran the 40-yard dash in 4.58 and had a 40.5-inch vertical jump, according to ESPN Australia & NZ.
3. Rugby success
Petaia was a star rugby player in Australia who became the youngest player to appear at two Rugby World Cups (2019 and 2023) for his home country.
Petaia made his national team debut at just 19 years old and was primarily used as a center back.
He recently played for the Queensland Reds rugby team, where he played 58 games for the Reds and scored 80 points.
4. Slated to join TE room
Petaia is slated to join the Chargers tight end room.
He joins a group that currently includes Will Dissly, Tyler Conklin, Tucker Fisk and McCallan Castles.
Petaia will work with Andy Bischoff, who is the Chargers tight ends coach and run game coordinator.
5. History of the IPP
Petaia joins the Bolts as a member of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program (IPP) Class of 2025.
Established in 2017, it's part of a league's and all 32 team's commitment to accelerate global football development efforts and establish a pathway for international talent to play the game at the highest level. The IPP program is designed to offer elite athletes from around the world with experience in other sports the opportunity to earn a spot on an NFL roster.
The program has been a success since the beginning, as 41 international players have signed with NFL teams (allocated, drafted or signed as a free agent) before this offseason.
Most recently, defensive lineman CJ Okoye was on the Chargers roster as part of the IPP and spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons as a member of the practice squad.
