International players join NFL practice squads

[Doomsday101]

(July 9, 2007) -- Eleven of the best international football players from around the world will have an opportunity to make an impact on the NFL this season as part of the NFL International Development Practice Squad Program, the league announced.

The 11 players from five countries have earned positions on the practice-squad rosters of teams in the AFC East, AFC South and NFC North Divisions.

The players selected for the program, which is now in its fourth year, have all displayed outstanding potential and performance in NFL Europa, including German defensive end Ben Ishola. The NFL Europa National Defensive Player of the Year joins the Super Bowl champion Indianapolis Colts practice squad after helping the Hamburg Sea Devils to victory in World Bowl XV.

Five players -- Marvin Allen, Carl-Johan Bjork, Samuel Gutekunst, Daniel Watts and Ulrich Winkler -- participated in the program last year. One graduate of the initial class in 2004, Mexican guard Rolando Cantu, has already made his NFL debut, seeing action in the Arizona Cardinals' season-ending game against Indianapolis in 2005.

"The practice-squad program was an excellent experience for me," Cantu says. "The exposure to the NFL environment and having an entire year with a team really pushes you to perform at a high level."

A closer look at the 11 international players heading to 2007 AFC East, AFC South and NFC North practice squads:


http://www.nfl.com/international/story/10250560

 

[CrazyCowboy]

International players may make a move in the NFL before long......look at the NBA.....folks used to believe that would not work.....

 

[Doomsday101]

International players may make a move in the NFL before long......look at the NBA.....folks used to believe that would not work.....

I agree. This is a good step for them. I think if a guy has the athletic ability to play the game he can be taught the finer points of the game.

 

[AbeBeta]

International players may make a move in the NFL before long......look at the NBA.....folks used to believe that would not work.....

yeah but the big difference is that folks don't really play U.S. Rule Football in those countries. other countries have had great international B-ball teams for a long time -- no surprise that the top 4 or 5 players from big countries like Brazil or China are making it over here.