Packers allocated DL Kenneth Odumegwu from Nigeria
The NFL International Player Pathway program aims to provide elite international athletes with the opportunity to compete at the NFL level.
By PackerAaron
The Packers have been allocated DL Kenneth Odumegwu from Nigeria as part of the NFL International Player Pathway program.
Odumegwu, who is from Anambra State in Nigeria, was converted to football via Educational Basketball. He attended Osi Umenyiora's NFL Africa Touchdown Camp in Accra, Ghana, where he was named defensive Most Valuable Player.
The IPP program aims to provide elite international athletes with the opportunity to compete at the NFL level, improve their skills, and ultimately work to earn a spot on an NFL roster.
The NFL hosted an International Combine in England on October 4, 2022, at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with 38 players from 13 countries participating. Players began training in the United States in January for 10 weeks and had the opportunity to showcase their talents to NFL club scouts throughout March.
At the conclusion of training camp, Odumegwu will be eligible for an international player practice squad exemption. This grants the Packers an extra practice squad member. Under certain parameters, players can also be elevated to the active roster during the regular season.
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Comments (9)
T7Steve
May 04, 2023 at 10:40 am
Would be interested in his particulars (size, speed and RAS type things).
Even if he doesn't pan out, it sounds like a win/win if we're allowed to keep an extra.
PeteK
May 04, 2023 at 10:52 am
6' 5" 266 ran a 4.8, 33.5 vertical. Very similar measurable to the DL drafted. Good pickup, you never know.
T7Steve
May 04, 2023 at 01:50 pm
Thanks, PeteK.
Coldworld
May 04, 2023 at 11:04 am
These guys are usually very good athletes with almost no, or absolutely no, football experience. A lot come from rugby or Aussie league backgrounds but aren’t going to make elite teams in those sports for some reasons (often stamina or all around athletic traits). Most end up playing in semi pro leagues elsewhere. That was really the intent of the program. Seeding the sport while enticing potential standouts with paid opportunities.
In the past, the problem is that, while some have the potential, it’s very hard to start from a no football background post college essentially. A very steep climb. That’s why you see a lot of rushers and some massive Linemen. I think the expectation should be ultra raw.
Since'61
May 04, 2023 at 11:14 am
Nothing to lose in assisting this player to develop in his athletic career regardless of how it plays out or where it leads. Who knows he could be a very unusual success story for the Packers. If not it's still worth a shot. GPG. Thanks, Since '61
Coldworld
May 04, 2023 at 11:42 am
It’s free too. No roster spot used up and paid by the league.
mnbadger
May 04, 2023 at 12:41 pm
It also shines a light on US football.
Maybe KO (save that one for the first time he KO's fields of da'cubs) doesn't pan out, but with a good experience, maybe he fathers a child with similar athletic traits that takes up the game at a much more developmental age.
It won't happen overnight, but for a franchise that's over 100 years old, owned by the public, we should embrace long term thinking.
Two thumbs up.
GPG!
TXCHEESE
May 04, 2023 at 02:01 pm
Good for him and good for the Pack! I would be interested in his measurables as well. Maybe be the next Nigerian Nightmare! What fun it was to watch that guy run.
renzocapone
May 10, 2023 at 06:59 am
Usually if an athlete transfers from another sport, it increases the possibility of his success because he is more well-rounded. So, I think Odumegwu has a good chance to excel