Former AFL player Patrick Murtagh has become the latest Australian to join the National Football League's ranks, after the 24-year-old signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
However, Murtagh's professional sporting journey began with the Gold Coast Sun, ending without the 6'6, 250-pound prospect ever playing a single AFL game.
Propelled toward trying his hand at America's Game, Murtagh now joins the Jaguars after completing a 10-week pathways program at Florida's IMG Academy.
Previously, Murtagh had also spent time with the Detroit Lions, after impressing in the NFL's international scouting combine in London.
Yet, the Australian will not be following the lead of many of his compatriots, earning his shot in the NFL not as a punter but rather as a tight-end.
Speaking as the ink dried on his deal with the rising Florida outfit, Murtagh stated that setbacks on both sides of the boundary line had led him to chase a pigskin over a Sherrin.
“Three years ago we lost dad, so seeing mum on her own trying to battle away looking after my sister and me is very empowering,” Murtagh revealed.
“I want to give back to her and give her the life she deserves, knowing everything I do is making her proud and my dad proud.
“Every day I rock up to training with a smile on my face because I'm grateful for the opportunity I have. It comes with a great paycheck as well, so knowing that can help set up my mum as well and give her the life she deserves she can relax and get us back on track after we lost dad.
“I'm very grateful to be here.”
Like Murtagh, the Jaguars are relatively new kids on the block, having entered the league in 1995, with the Floridians yet to claim a conference championship during their 30-season history.
