The Green Bay Packers have added another player through the NFL’s initiative to grow the game abroad. The International Pathway Program was started in 2017 and is a way for non-Americans to get a shot at playing football. The program comes with many incentives for teams like extra roster spots for these international players. The Packers have signed Kenneth Odumegwu out of Nigeria via the International Pathway Program.
@NFLAfrica | @packers pic.twitter.com/Pb47Z8ofJs
— NFL (@NFL) May 4, 2023
Green Bay Packers Sign Kenneth Odumegwu
Odumegwu is a defensive lineman out of Nigeria. He is most likely a 3-4 linebacker so he fits into the group with Rashan Gary, Lukas Van Ness, and Preston Smith. According to a report Odumegwu recorded a 4.8-second 40-yard dash and a 33.5” vertical jump at a recent event. The team adds another athletic rushing linebacker that could provide some key depth at the position. He is one of eight players to be signed by teams as a part of the International Pathway Program.
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How The Program Works
The Packers’ roster is now expanded to 91 players. In order to incentivize teams to take flyers on international players, the program allows teams to take on additional players. This means that front offices do not have to make decisions on whether to take a flyer on an international player or take a more established American player. They can have the best of both worlds. The final cuts do not come until September so the Packers have plenty of time to decide on Odumegwu by then. This is a great way to give those players a chance and expand the game of football.
The numbers on Kenneth Odumegwu are interesting. I like that the Green Bay Packers are taking a flyer on a player that could become something special. If not, it doesn’t really cost the team anything. Over the summer, this will be an interesting player to watch.
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