LOCAL rugby star Aaron Sexton is hopeful he can emulate those before him in forging a career in the NFL after the Bangor man was named in its International Player Pathway (IPP) for 2025.
Earlier this week it was confirmed the flying winger had taken the decision to leave Ulster in pursuit of his American football dream.
The 24 year-old is among 14 athletes to have been selected in the latest wave of the NFL programme, which will see him up sticks to Florida and embark on a 10-week training camp in January before looking to catch the eye of scouts ahead of next year’s NFL draft.
Sexton, a former track sprinter who won All-Ireland Championships in both 100m and 200m distances, joined the Ulster Rugby Academy in 2019 and after impressing for the Ulster ‘A’ side, he went on to earn a professional contract making 10 senior appearances for the province.
The ex-Bangor Grammar student also played club rugby for Ballynahinch in the Energia All-Ireland League.
In sealing a place on the IPP, which identifies global talent and gives athletes the opportunity to develop their American football skills, Sexton will aim to follow in the footsteps of rugby union players Louis Rees-Zammit and Travis Clayton as well as Gaelic footballer Charlie Smyth, who were all selected by NFL teams after being part of the 2024 class.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Sexton said: “My interest in American Football started years ago. I was really pushing forward in my other sports and focusing on them but as soon as I got the opportunity to join the IPP it was [a case of] drop everything and all in, pretty much.
“I’ve seen the success of the rugby players who have come before me, they’ve set the bar really high and they’ve also proved that it can be done.
“My strengths are my speed and my ability to beat someone,” he continued.
“Having played a contact sport before I know what it takes. It’s a new lease of life for me and I know it’s going to be tough, but I’m ready to go all in.”
On Sexton’s departure, Ulster Rugby’s General Manager, Bryn Cunningham, said:
“Everyone at Ulster Rugby wishes Aaron all the very best as he pursues this new opportunity with the NFL.
“We don’t want to stand in the way of him chasing this ambition after he made it clear to us that this was something he was hugely excited about.
“We thank Aaron for his efforts over the years and wish him well for the upcoming trials.”
