While most NFL draft prospects trace their paths to Draft Day through familiar milestones—such as childhood games, family football traditions, or the guidance of an older sibling—Paschal Ekeji Jr.’s journey began in an unexpected way: with the humbling experience of losing a video game. That defeat sparked a curiosity about American football, which soon transformed into a life-changing decision to pursue the sport professionally.
In an exclusive interview with Forbes.com, Ekeji shares his unique journey from playing rugby at prestigious institutions in South Africa to now being a part of the NFL’s 2025 International Player Pathway (IPP) class. His story is one of resilience, risk-taking, and unwavering determination.
The Spark of Interest in American Football
His introduction to American football didn’t come through live games or traditional exposure but rather from an unexpected source—a video game. He recalls playing Madden with a friend for the first time and getting completely outmatched. That moment of defeat ignited his competitive nature and sparked a curiosity to learn more about the game—if only to ensure he could win the next time.
As he delved deeper into the sport, he stumbled upon a YouTube highlight reel of then-New York Giants star Odell Beckham Jr. (OBJ), and that moment was a turning point. “I found this OBJ edit on YouTube—it was pretty sick. I thought to myself, ‘Hey, I think I could do that.’ But at that time, I wasn’t even aware of the opportunities available. So, I just focused on rugby and tried to go as far as I could with that.” At that stage, American football remained a distant dream. Rugby was his priority, and any ambitions beyond it were left unspoken.
How Rugby Shaped His Football Skills
South Africa’s highly competitive rugby culture instilled in him the discipline and resilience necessary to excel in a demanding sport. Having attended Grey College—one of the world’s top rugby schools—he developed an elite skill set that made him stand out on the field. His time playing for Maties, the prestigious rugby team at Stellenbosch University, further refined his abilities in a professional environment.
“These are prestigious rugby institutions, and being in that professional environment—being punctual for meetings, following a schedule, and maintaining discipline—will translate well into an NFL environment,” he noted. “As a winger in rugby, I was trained to defeat opponents one-on-one, maneuver in tight spaces, and utilize my agility and hand skills. Those abilities translate well to American football, especially for the position I play, which is similar to an NFL linebacker.”
The transition was not just about physical abilities; it also involved a shift in mindset. Competing in South Africa’s top rugby circuits required adapting to high-pressure situations, a trait that would serve him well in his new sport.
The NFL Africa Camp Experience
His journey took a significant turn when his agent, Gavin Jones, let him know about the NFL Africa Camp—an initiative designed to identify and develop African talent for the NFL. The opportunity to showcase his athleticism on an international stage was both exciting and daunting. “My agent, sent me a message. We have a really good relationship—he knows me well. He received an email from Osi Umenyiora, who was looking for athletes with certain traits. Gavin thought of me and said, ‘I think you could knock this out of the park, buddy.’”
Training in Stellenbosch, he earned an invitation to the first-ever NFL Africa Camp, held in Ghana. There, he met African NFL players, including Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who has ties to Ghana, and Kwity Paye, who is Liberian and has ties to Guinea.
The camp not only solidified his belief in his potential but also showed him that there was a pathway forward in this new sport. “The camp was pivotal—not just for my desire but also for my passion for the game. It gave me the confidence that I could actually become a football player.” Even after returning to South Africa and continuing his rugby career, his curiosity and hunger for American football grew. He began staying up late to watch Sunday Night Football games, which were broadcast in the early hours of Monday mornings in South Africa, learning the intricacies of the sport.
Overcoming Injury and Rehabbing with Tenacity
As his dreams began to take shape, Ekeji faced a significant setback when he suffered a knee ligament injury that sidelined him for an extended period. “It was a tough time,” he admits. “Having played sports since I was 11, I learned a lot about myself during that period.” Instead of letting the injury discourage him, he viewed it as an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. “It allowed me to introspect, to evaluate how I responded to adversity and how I could emerge from it stronger. I saw it as a challenge to become better than I was before.” This experience taught him valuable lessons, both physically and mentally. “Life is not linear. It doesn’t always follow an upward trend. Sometimes you’ll face setbacks, and you need to be able to pick yourself back up.”
The Pivotal Workout and Entry into the IPP Program
As Ekeji approached the end of his academic career, Dominic Fevrier-McPherson, the lead of the IPP program, invited him to a workout session. The timing posed a challenge, as the workout was scheduled to start right when Ekeji’s final exam was ending. Despite this conflict, Ekeji made the bold decision to commit to the workout, recognizing that opportunities like this were rare.
“Yes, sir, I’ll work out. Just know I might be a bit late because my exam ends at 12, but I’ll be there,” he recalls. Later, Dom informed him that the workout would be moved to the following day. At the workout, there were three other athletes, one of whom is now also part of the IPP program—Thabani “TJ” Maguranyanga. The workout itself was intense.
“Dom put us through the wringer. He made us run, catch, change direction—everything. And now we’re here, and he’s still helping us,” Ekeji explained. He credits Dom’s ongoing support for their development, emphasizing the significant impact the coach has had on his journey.
“He hasn’t changed his mindset in pushing us to be better. He’s really invested in us in every way possible. Whenever we need something, he encourages us to let him know, and he helps make it happen,” Ekeji said.
“Whether it’s reviewing footage to show us how we can improve, he’s always doing that. Dom has been a fantastic mentor for us here at camp.”
Adjusting to the IPP Program
Ekeji arrived at IMG Academy in Florida from sunny South Africa, where it was summer, and was immediately struck by the colder, rainy weather. While Florida is typically known for its warmth, it took some time for Ekeji to acclimate to both the climate and the demands of the program. The initial weeks were challenging, as is often the case with new experiences that require learning new skills. However, Ekeji and the other athletes in the IPP program developed a strong bond during this adjustment period.
“You have to move your body in different ways in football,” Ekeji explained. “I’ve never had to move in some of these ways before. Those first few weeks were about getting used to that, learning the fundamentals, and understanding how to move as a football player.”
The program included a trip to the Senior Bowl, which served as a crucial test for Ekeji and the other members of the IPP program. This experience allowed them to see the competition firsthand and understand the high standards set by the best players in the NCAA. “Being there and observing how these athletes perform in meetings and train with intensity gave us a clear idea of what is expected from us,” he said.
The trip to the Senior Bowl shifted the mindset of the IPP athletes when they returned to their training. It not only made them aware of who they were competing against for a spot on an NFL team but also humanized the process. They realized that their competition was not so different from them; they simply had different opportunities leading up to Draft Day.
“We’ve come to understand that they are just like us,” Ekeji noted. “As kids, we might have thought that players in the U.S. were untouchable. But now, having seen them up close, we realize they are human beings just like us. We can compete at this level too. They may have gotten there before us, but we have the opportunity to close that gap.”
The Role of Faith and Family
Throughout his IPP journey, family and faith have consistently served as foundational pillars of support for Ekeji. His family has been the driving force behind him, constantly pushing him forward with unwavering encouragement. “My family is really like my driving force, my everything,” he shares. “They’ve been extremely supportive throughout the process. This is me taking a risk, and I really appreciate that my family was supportive of my decision.”
A particularly influential figure in his life is his mother, whose relentless determination has made a lasting impact on him. “A story I always tell is about my mom: growing up, I would come back from school, and after we got home, my mom would return from work, shower, cook us dinner, and then start studying again. The next morning, she would wake up, prepare us for school, go to work, and repeat the process.”
Her pursuit of higher education was not just a necessity for their family, but a lifelong goal. “She always said that when she was a kid, she wrote in her diary that she would be known as Dr. Mrs. Question Mark one day.” Her determination to achieve that vision, despite numerous obstacles, deeply inspired him. “Seeing your mother work teaches you how to work hard and how to set goals and be relentless in chasing them.”
Ekeji’s drive to succeed extends beyond himself; he aims to set an example for his siblings. “I want to carry myself in a way that inspires my siblings to reach their full potential and makes them proud.”
Carrying the African Spirit Through the Process
As Pro Day and the NFL Draft approach, he reflects on what he has learned during the past ten weeks of preparation. “I’m carrying everything I’ve worked on, including my technique, communication, and movement,” he says. “However, something I also carry from home is that spirit—the African spirit. Having been born in Nigeria and living in South Africa, I’ve been surrounded by various cultures, but one thing that is common among us all is the strong spirit we possess.”
This spirit, along with his faith, has been a significant driving force in his journey. “I carry that through Pro Day and throughout the entire process, understanding that I’m here for a reason. I’ve been called; religion and faith are very important to me. God placed me here—He knew before I was born that I would be in this position. So, I know He’s going to guide me through.” As he moves forward, he holds a strong belief that he is meant to be where he is. “I’m carrying that spirit, that belief, and that faith throughout Pro Day, the draft, and everything else. Yes, God’s got me, and I’m meant to be here.”
Paschal Ekeji Jr.’s journey to the NFL is a powerful reminder that the path to success isn’t always conventional. His unique story serves as an inspiration to athletes, particularly from underrepresented regions, showing that no dream is too distant if you’re willing to take bold steps and remain committed.