Jordan Petaia signs NFL contract with Los Angeles Chargers after knocking back Brisbane Broncos

Jordan Petaia’s decision to knock back interest from the Brisbane Broncos has paid off after he earned a contract with NFL side the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Melbourne-born 25-year-old, who represented Australia in two Rugby World Cups, inked a three-year deal with the NFL franchise after training for 10 weeks as part of the NFL’s international player pathway program.

“Hey guys, excited to be a part of the family, keen to get stuck in. Bolt up,” Petaia said in a video to Chargers fans.

The Chargers won the fight for Petaia’s signature, with the Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons among the other clubs who were interested in the Australian.

There was also no shortage of interest in Petai’s services from outside the NFL. Several rugby franchises from around the world had expressed interest, while St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan was also keen. As late as last December, Maguire was hoping Petaia would consider a different cross-code switch, to Red Hill.

However, Petaia had long harboured an ambition to test himself in the NFL. Petaia had played for the Queensland Reds since 2018 and earned 31 Wallabies caps as a utility back, and has been signed by the Chargers as a tight end – a hybrid between a receiver and an offensive lineman.

The role of a tight end is to protect the quarterback during passing plays, but they can also run routes and catch passes.

One of the NFL’s best tight ends is three-time Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs.