Former AFL prodigy sends recruiters into overdrive as NFL dream becomes a reality

A hulking former AFL prodigy is on the cusp of signing with an NFL club after sending US recruits into raptures at the league’s most recent Pro Day. This is how he did it

A hulking former AFL prodigy is on the cusp of signing with an NFL club after sending US recruits into raptures at the league’s most recent Pro Day.

Patrick Murtagh is the former Gold Coast Suns player who has put himself in the frame to secure a workout with an NFL club following his Pro Day performance last week.

The Pro Days are designed to measure the physical attributes of prospects through drills and provides opportunities for clubs to interview players before the draft.

Scouts were already keeping close tabs on the International Player Pathway program athlete who was initially signed by the Detroit Lions in 2023 before a cruel setback via an undisclosed injury cost him his list spot.

Now the 24-year-old has a second shot and could be secure a roster spot on any one of the 32 clubs available as an international player following the conclusion of the NFL draft on April 27.

It is likely Murtagh will secure a chance to workout with an NFL club and further bolster his chances of getting a roster spot.

“Been a tough road to get back here and filled with heaps of obstacles but we persevered,” Murtagh said in a social post following the Pro Day.

“I couldn’t have done it without the help of those around me.

“My friends, my family, my team, you all played a significant role in getting back here.

“What’s next for me? The unknown and that’s exciting.

“Who knows where I’ll be tomorrow, in a week, in a month.

“I’m excited for what’s to come, stay tuned.”

Murtagh, who spent three seasons with the Suns AFL club, is a raw athlete with a strong track background competing in the triple jump, high jump and several other events including winning the state decathlon championship.

He served as a tight end on the Detroit practice squad after impressing scouts with his athleticism and ball-tracking ability at a combine.

Murtagh was then named as one of 12 athletes to attend a 10-week training camp at the IMG Academy in Florida.

Following his injury Murtagh declared he wasn’t done and has since been working to return as an even better athlete in 2024.