Patriots
Why the Patriots signed a rugby player from Australia
Russell came through the International Player Pathway program, which allowed the Patriots to sign him without forfeiting one of their roster spots.
For most of the IPP athletes, joining the NFL is a dream come true. But the teams themselves also have a lot to gain. A 2024 rule change — which provides a roster exemption to teams who sign IPP players — has created an added incentive. Despite havin... [3516 chars]