Roster Move: Bears add Nigerian offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka |
The Chicago Bears have added offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka to their roster through the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) Program.
Mbaeteka, who stands at 6-8 and weighs 331 pounds, hails from Nigeria and has never played high school or college football. However, his size and athleticism have caught the attention of the NFL through the IPP program. Established in 2017, the IPP program provides opportunities for athletes from around the world to earn an NFL roster spot and increase the number of international players in the league. Mbaeteka is one of eight international players to be added to NFL rosters this year, with one player assigned to each team in the NFC North and AFC West. "To see this hugely talented group of players be allocated to NFL rosters is very exciting, and a testament to the success of the NFL's global football development programs for international athletes," said Peter O'Reilly, NFL Executive Vice President, Club Business, Major Events & International. "The International Player Pathway is a critical program in identifying, supporting and enabling athletes from around the world and we look forward to seeing each players' NFL journey unfold as they become global ambassadors for the sport." Thirty-seven international players have joined NFL teams since the start of the program.
