Former NRL prospect on the cusp of making NFL history

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.

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.