Former Wallabies Star Jordan Petaia Joins NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers
Ex-Queensland Reds and Wallabies speedster Jordan Petaia has taken a significant step toward an NFL career, signing with the Los Angeles Chargers on Wednesday as part of the league’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program.
After 10 weeks of intensive training at the IMG Academy in Florida, Petaia showcased his athleticism at a pro day at the University of South Florida last week. Reports reveal that the 31-Test Wallaby clocked a 4.58-second 40-yard dash and recorded an impressive 40.5-inch vertical leap.
His performance caught the attention of NFL heavyweights like the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, and Atlanta Falcons, but Petaia ultimately opted to join the Chargers as a tight end.
Petaia follows in the footsteps of other rugby stars transitioning to the NFL through the IPP program, including Louis Rees-Zammit, who initially signed a three-year deal with the Chiefs before securing a spot on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ active roster.
Having officially quit rugby union on December 2, Petaia received full backing from the Queensland Reds, who confirmed his departure weeks after he was left out of their 2025 Super Rugby Pacific squad.
“I’ve been a fan of the NFL since I was a kid,” Petaia shared. “Trying American football is something I’ve always considered. I’d regret it if I didn’t take this shot.”
The decision was especially difficult given the Reds’ recent progress. “Les Kiss [head coach] gave me a great send-off, and hearing my teammates’ support meant a lot. It was emotional after being with the club since leaving school.”
While acknowledging that nothing is guaranteed, Petaia is eager to train, learn, and prove his potential over the coming months.
Petaia made history as the youngest Australian to feature in a Rugby World Cup at 18 years old, representing the Wallabies in 2019 and 2023. Across his career, he earned 31 Test caps and played 55+ matches for the Reds, though injuries limited him to just six appearances in 2024.
