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 opened up about how the loss of his father three years ago inspired his NFL dream, which has become a reality after the former Gold Coast Suns AFL player signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Murtagh, who spent three years on the list at the Suns without playing an AFL game, has 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’ve made an NFL team in a position other than punter. He will now participate in the Jaguars’ training camp in preparation for the 2024-25 season.
His position of tight end is the same spot Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce plays in, and will see him expected to catch passes and block 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 ‘developmental’ player on the practice squad.
Former Gold Coast Suns player Patrick Murtagh has been signed by NFL side Jacksonville Jaguars after impressing at the NFL’s International Pathway Program (pictured)
The 195cm, 113kg Aussie 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 that supported him as he chased his dream
Murtagh was a promising Aussie Rules player and was signed by the Gold Coast Suns, but could not crack the first-grade side
Murtagh explained that his father’s memory and the goal to support his mother financially were significant motivations behind his ambition to succeed in the NFL.
‘My parents have been a massive influence on my life, I look up to my dad as a role model,’ he said.
‘He has sacrificed a lot of things to put me in the place I am now and give me this opportunity, along with my mum.
‘Three years ago we lost Dad. Seeing Mum on her own, trying to battle her way through looking after my sister and I was very empowering.
‘I really want to give back to her and give her the life that she deserves.
‘Knowing that what I do is making her proud and my dad proud.
‘Every day I rock up to training with a smile on my face and have a great attitude because I am just grateful for where I am and the opportunity that I have.
‘Obviously with playing football as well, it comes with a great pay cheque so knowing that can help set up my mum and give her the life that she deserves, she can relax and enjoy and get herself back on track from 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 so his mum can live a comfortable life
Murtagh, a national-level decathlete in Australia and a Queensland state champion in high school, initially participated in an international scouting combine in London.
There, he was among 12 prospects who made a 10-week training camp at the IMG Academy in Florida.
Murtagh – who stands 195cm and weighs 113kg – showcased 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 as the third best at the NFL combine. Additionally, he demonstrated his impressive ability to catch with a one-handed grab during positional drills.
He also spent some time with the Lions last off-season before leaving with an undisclosed medical issue.
‘A tremendous amount of work’s been put in, a lot of behind the scenes work as well before getting into the IPP,’ he said.
‘That’s a credit to my friends, my family, the team back home and my network that have put in the hours to get me back in shape.
‘Honestly, never give up, never put a ceiling on your dreams. Anything is possible, especially at a young age … get your hands on all different ball sports, do everything you can and just make the most of it and enjoy it.
‘It’s never too late. I was playing AFL two years ago and now here I am, just signed a contract in the NFL.’
Murtagh is the second Aussie to join the Jaguars squad, linking up with veteran defensive lineman Adam Gotsis, who is going into his fifth season in Jacksonville.
