NFL teams get green light to sign, elevate IPP players

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL teams get green light to sign, elevate International Player Pathway players

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated Aug 12, 2021 4:13 PM ET

The NFL told teams on Thursday they will now be able to sign and elevate players in the International Player Pathway program to their active roster, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported via Twitter.

Here’s the full memo, which says International Players are eligible to be signed or elevated as long as their exemption is removed and they’ve counted on the practice squad for at least three games. Once the exemption is removed, the team can’t get it back this season. pic.twitter.com/LNUFLXdpec
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 12, 2021

Pelissero also reported the players in the program can be identified during preseason tilts by special decals on their helmets.

The IPP initiative, which was founded in 2017, has morphed over the years as it aims to give international players a stronger chance of being added to NFL rosters. Thursday's announcement reveals yet another step that will make it easier for international players to make their NFL dreams a reality.

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