'I'm grateful': Former Suns AFL player signs NFL deal

Former Gold Coast Suns player Patrick Murtagh has become the latest former AFL player to make the switch to the NFL.

Murtagh, 24, spent three years on the Suns squad without playing an AFL game, but impressed NFL scouts through the International Pathway Program (IPP) to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Murtagh played in the reserves team as a ruck-forward in the VFL, before he was delisted at the end of 2022.

He now joins a small group of Aussies to play in a non-punting position in the NFL, suiting up at tight end with the Jaguars through training camp ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Being part of the IPP means Murtagh can be carried as an extra “developmental” player on the practice squad if he does not make the 53-man cut.

The Gold Coast local signed to the Detroit Lions in May last year before leaving the team due to an undisclosed medical issue.

Speaking in the US, Murtagh highlighted the death of his father and wanting to provide for his mother as the driving force behind his push to play in arguably the most ruthless league in the world.

Australia’s very own 🇦🇺#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/AlJF9UdD2h

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) April 15, 2024

“Three years ago we lost dad, so seeing mum on her own trying to battle away looking after my sister and me is very empowering,” he said.

“I want to give back to her and give her the life she deserves, knowing everything I do is making her proud and my dad proud.

“Every day I rock up to training with a smile on my face because I’m grateful for the opportunity I have.

“It comes with a great pay cheque as well, so knowing that can help set up my mum as well and give her the life she deserves she can relax and get us back on track after we lost dad.

“I’m very grateful to be here.”

The 196cm Murtagh exhibited raw natural ability at the international scouting combine in London, standing out in the broad jump and reportedly displaying talent with his catching ability.

Patrick Murtagh at the NFL International Combine.

He then was among 12 prospects who participated in a 10-week training camp at IMG Academy in Florida.

“A tremendous amount of work’s been put in, a lot of behind the scenes work as well before getting into the IPP,” he said.

“That’s a credit to my friends, my family, the team back home and my network that have put in the hours to get me back in shape.”

He joins fellow Aussie Adam Gotsis at the Jaguars, who are looking to get back into the playoffs after a poor season.

“I got to meet the fellow Aussie, Adam, he’s from Melbourne and I’m from the Gold Coast, so about a two-hour flight away. It’s really good, a really good connection already, so I can see that growing a lot more,” he said.

If Murtagh can make the NFL, he will become the first player with an AFL background not to play as a punter.