Patrick Murtagh has opened up about how the loss of his father three years ago inspired his NFL dream, which came true after the former Gold Coast Suns AFL player signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Murtagh, who spent three years on the Suns roster without playing an AFL game, joined the Jaguars through the NFL’s International Pathway Program.
At 24 years old, the tight end is now among a rare group of Australians who have made it to an NFL team at a position other than punter. He will now participate in Jaguars training camp in preparation for the 2024-25 season.
His tight end position is the same spot Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce plays, and he is expected to catch passes and block for his teammates.
Even if Murtagh doesn’t secure a spot on the final 53-man roster, he has a chance to be retained as an additional “development” player on the practice squad.
Former Gold Coast Suns player Patrick Murtagh has been signed by NFL team Jacksonville Jaguars after impressing in the NFL International Pathway Program (pictured)
The 195cm, 113kg Australian plays tight end, the same position as Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl star Travis Kelce.
Murtagh (pictured with his younger sister, mother Vala and late father Michael) wants to give back to the family who supported him as he pursued his dream.
Murtagh was a promising Aussie Rules player and was signed by the Gold Coast Suns, but failed to break into the first grade team.
Murtagh explained that the memory of his father and the goal of supporting his mother financially were important motivations behind his ambition to succeed in the NFL.
“My parents have been a great influence in my life, I look up to my father as a role model,” he said.
‘He has sacrificed many things to put me in the place I am now and give me this opportunity, along with my mother.
‘Three years ago we lost dad. Seeing mom alone, trying to make her way taking care of my sister and me was very empowering.
‘I really want to give back to him and give him the life he deserves.
‘Knowing that what I do makes her and my father proud.
‘Every day I come to training with a smile on my face and I have a great attitude because I am grateful for where I am and the opportunity I have.
“Obviously, playing football also comes with a big paycheck, so knowing that can help prepare my mother and give her the life she deserves, she can relax, enjoy herself and get back to normal after we lost dad three “. years ago.
Patrick’s father, Michael (pictured with his daughter), passed away three years ago from cancer.
Murtagh wants to take every opportunity his parents helped create for him and give it back to them so his mother can live a comfortable life.
Murtagh, a national-level decathlete in Australia and a high school Queensland state champion, initially participated in an international scouting combine in London.
There, he was among 12 prospects who underwent a 10-week training camp at the IMG Academy in Florida.
Murtagh, who is 195cm tall and weighs 113kg, showed off his athletic ability at the International Player Pathway (IPP) Pro Day at the University of South Florida last month.
His broad jump of 3.15 meters would have ranked third best at the NFL combine. Additionally, he demonstrated his impressive one-handed catching ability during positional drills.
He also spent some time with the Lions last offseason before leaving with an undisclosed medical issue.
“There has been a tremendous amount of work, also a lot of behind-the-scenes work, going into the IPP,” he said.
“That’s a credit to my friends, family, home team and network who have put in the hours to get me fit.”
‘Honestly, never give up, never put a ceiling on your dreams. Anything is possible, especially at a young age…play all the different ball sports, do as much as you can and make the most of it and enjoy it.
‘It is never too late. I was playing in the AFL two years ago and now here I am, I just signed a contract in the NFL.
Murtagh is the second Australian to join the Jaguars team, joining veteran defensive lineman Adam Gotsis, who enters his fifth season in Jacksonville.