The NFL knows not only American kids dream of being a superstar on the gridiron. Youngsters of all backgrounds, races, and countries dream of playing in the NFL.
The NFL helped make their dreams a reality, creating the International Player Pathway program (IPP program). In simple terms, it is a scouting operation for identifying and picking future foreign NFL stars.
Notable International Players in Super Bowl 59
Super Bowl 59 has a mix of players from across international borders. Four international-born players are suiting up for Super Bowl 59, and three play for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sydney Brown, Safety, Philadelphia Eagles
Sydney Brown, from Ontario, Canada, is a safety for the Eagles. He and his twin brother Chase (running back for the Cincinnati Bengals) were born in poverty, and football became their ticket to escape the hardships their family had to endure.
Brown’s mother sent the twins to Florida, and from there, destiny, talent, and hard work came together to change their lives forever. Brown played college football at the University of Illinois and was a third-round (66th) pick by the Eagles in 2023.
During the 2024 season, Brown had six solo tackles with one interception and one forced fumble.
Jordan Mailata, Offensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles
Jordan Mailata is an offensive tackle from Australia, a country that prides itself on rugby and basketball. Mailata himself has played rugby professionally. However, he wanted to join the NFL and even had to go against his family’s wishes initially to realize his dream.
Leaving home at the age of 20, he earned his spot on the Eagles. A Super Bowl will be a sweet redemption story for this man from the land down under.
Moro Ojomo, Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles
Moro Ojomo is a defensive tackle from Nigeria who came to America when he was eight years old. He then became a sought-after player leading up to his college days at Texas, when he was drafted by the Eagles in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
In 17 regular season games, Ojomo has recorded 20 total tackles and serves a purposeful role on the Eagles’ defensive line.
Off the field, Ojomo has a college degree in business finance and wants to be a corporate lawyer after his playing days are over.
George Karlaftis, Defensive End, Kansas City Chiefs
George Karlaftis is arguably the most important name on the list. The defensive end from Greece is also the sack leader for the team this season.
He was drafted in the second round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022. Drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Karlaftis has become rather popular for his ability to rush the quarterback.
He also was the joint sack leader in 2023 for the team. In 2023, he and Chris Jones tied for the lead in sacks with veteran star, Chris Jones, with 10.5. Karlaftis also served a major role in the Chief’s first playoff game this season, with three sacks.