Exclusive: Ulster's Aaron Sexton on NFL IPP Move

Pro Football Ireland : The Irish NFL Podcast

Mark is joined by the newest member of the 2025 NFL IPP Class, Ulster's Aaron Sexton.

Aaron is joining the IPP and primarily playing as a wide receiver/returner. In this exclusive chat, Aaron talks about his transition to the game of American Football and hopes ahead.

The NFL has announced its International Player Pathway (IPP) program Class of 2025 featuring 14 athletes representing 13 nations around the world, as the league continues to focus on creating more opportunities for talented international athletes to play the game at the highest level.

Established in 2017, the IPP program identifies elite global talent with the aim of providing selected athletes the opportunity to improve and develop their skills, and ultimately earn a spot on an NFL roster. Starting in January 2025, athletes on the program are invited to train in American football — both on the field and in the classroom — for 10 weeks at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, before showcasing their skills in front of NFL club scouts as part of the University of South Florida’s Pro Day in March.

Players can be signed as a free agent or, if eligible, selected during the 2025 NFL Draft. Each NFL club is permitted one roster exemption for a qualifying international player from the start of the club’s offseason program through the roster reduction to 53 players. At that time, qualifying international players are eligible to be signed to a 17 th practice squad roster spot reserved for international athletes across any of the 32 teams. The program has historically welcomed athletes from diverse sporting backgrounds, including rugby, basketball, Gaelic football, track & field and more, and is supported by elite football coaching staff.

“The Class of 2025 is an exciting one, and we are delighted to welcome these talented athletes from around the world to the International Player Pathway program,” said Executive Vice President International, Events and Club Business at the NFL Peter O’Reilly. “Focusing on our global football development efforts and fostering international talent is crucial to growing our game globally. The IPP program offers life-changing opportunities for international talent, and we look forward to following their progress in the weeks and months ahead.”