Patrick Murtagh: AFL star reveals how his dad’s tragic death inspired him to break into the NFL as he makes his dream a reality

Patrick Murtagh has told how the loss of his father three years ago inspired his NFL dream, which became a reality 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, has joined the Jaguars through the NFL’s International Pathway Program.

At 24, the tight end is now among a rare group of Australians who have made an NFL team in a position other than punter. He will now participate in the Jaguars’ training camp in preparation for the 2024-2025 season.

His tight end position is the same spot where Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce plays, and he is expected to catch and block passes for his teammates.

Even if Murtagh doesn’t secure a spot on the final 53-player roster, he has the opportunity to be retained as an additional “development player” on the practice squad.

The 195 cm, 113 kg 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 could not crack the first grade

Murtagh explained that his father’s memory and goal of supporting his mother financially were major motivations behind his ambition to succeed in the NFL.

“My parents have had a huge influence on my life, I look up to my father as a role model,” he said.

“He sacrificed a lot of things to get me where I am today and give me this opportunity, together with my mother.

‘We lost Dad three years ago. It was very empowering to see my mother on her own and navigating her way through caring for my sister and me.

‘I really want to give something back to her and give her the life she deserves.

“Knowing that what I do makes her proud and my dad proud.

“Every day I go to training with a smile on my face and a great attitude because I’m just grateful for where I am and the opportunities I have.

‘Obviously playing football also comes with a great salary, so knowing that this can help get my mother on track and give her the life she deserves, she can relax and enjoy and get herself back on track getting on track after the loss of dad three. years ago.

Patrick’s father Michael (pictured with his daughter) died of cancer three years ago

Murtagh wants to take every opportunity his parents have created for him and give back so that his mother can live a comfortable life

Murtagh, a national-level decathlete in Australia and Queensland state champion in high school, initially competed in an international scouting organization in London.

There he was one of twelve candidates who completed a ten-week training camp at the IMG Academy in Florida.

Murtagh – who stands 195cm tall and weighs 113kg – showcased his athletic skills at the International Player Pathway (IPP) Pro Day at the University of South Florida last month.

His broad jump of 10 feet 11 inches would have been third best at the NFL combine. Additionally, he demonstrated his impressive one-handed catching ability during positional drills.

He also spent some offseason time with the Lions before leaving with an undisclosed medical issue.

“A huge amount of work has gone into it, and a lot of work has been done behind the scenes before we came to the IPP,” he said.

‘That’s a credit to my friends, my family, the team at home and my network who put in the hours to get me back into shape.

“Honestly, never give up and never put a ceiling on your dreams. Everything is possible, especially at a young age… Play all the different ball sports, do everything you can and just make the best of it and enjoy it.

‘It’s never too late. I played AFL two years ago and now here I am, just signed in the NFL.”

Murtagh is the second Australian to join the Jaguars squad, joining veteran defensive lineman Adam Gotsis, who is entering his fifth season in Jacksonville.