Thomas Yassmin has earned himself a rookie deal at the Denver Broncos, with the college football star on track to become the first Aussie tight end to play in the NFL.
The former Scots College schoolboy rugby union star and NRL prospect – who was offered a three-year deal with the Manly Sea Eagles in 2017 – signed with Denver as an undrafted free agent.
Yassmin broke through the college system in 2022 with 401 yards and six touchdowns on 13 catches, notably impressing scouts with a 72-yard touchdown against Arizona State.
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Yassmin was ranked in the top 20 tight ends ahead of the 2024 NFL draft.
The Aussie star revealed that four clubs – including the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears and the Broncos – expressed interest in signing him, with all holding multiple meetings with Yassmin's agent.
Yassmin suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in October during his final year of college football at the Utah Utes. The injury was predicted to dent his chances of selection in the draft.
The opportunity to sign with the Broncos was too good to refuse, with the club electing to not draft a tight end in the NFL's 2024 season draft.
The lack of depth in Denver's roster for tight ends leaves Yassmin with a high chance of making the 53-man roster.
If selected, he will become the first Australia to play in the NFL since league star Jarryd Hayne in 2015.
The 23-year-old will not be the only tight end on the NFL roster for Australia, with former Gold Coast Suns-listed player Patrick Murtagh signed to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Murtagh joined the Jaguars through the NFL's International Pathway Program, like Hayne and Cowboys star Valentine Holmes – who played three pre-season games for the New York Jets in 2019.
Around 30 Australians have featured in an NFL squad since 1965, with most coming from an AFL background and signing on as punters.
Eagles Super Bowl star Jordan Mailata, who made headlines earlier this month after inking a monster contract extension with Philadelphia reportedly worth around $100 million, is one of eight Australians currently playing in the NFL.
Utah coach Kyle Whittingham took to X to congratulate the Aussie on his NFL selection.
"From the rugby pitch in the Land Down Under to Rice-Eccles Stadium in the Wasatch Mountains. Helping the Utes win two PAC-12 championships, earning a Master's degree, and now achieving your NFL dream. Proud of you and your Mile High climb!" he wrote.
Yassmin will have the rookie camp and pre-season as an undrafted free agent to earn his spot on the roster before the start of the season – scheduled to begin on September 5.
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