Matthew Leo is an Australian football player who is currently playing for the Philadelphia Eagles of the National Football League. He played college football at Iowa State and was selected to join the Eagles’ International Player Pathway Program in 2020. In this article, we will discuss the story of Leo’s career and where he plans to go from here. You’ll also learn what his NFL aspirations are. We will also cover his draft status and upcoming signing.
Matthew Leo is an Australian football defensive end
The young 6-foot-7, 275-pound Leo had no football experience in high school, but he was a star athlete in the 40-yard dash. In fact, he ranked first in the state of California in that category. He was recruited by numerous colleges, including Alabama, California, Oklahoma, and Mississippi State. His impressive speed led some recruiters to give him a scholarship. Scout and Rivals rated him as a three-star recruit.
After playing two seasons at Iowa State University, Matt Leo became a star on the Cyclones’ defense. In 2019, he earned First-Team Academic All-Big 12 honors. Following graduation, Leo decided to pursue a plumbing career. He completed an apprenticeship program in Australia, and in his spare time, he played rugby. This helped him build relationships with teammates on the team. However, the most exciting part of his football career was earning a contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
After graduating from high school, Leo spent his first two years of college working in the construction industry. He was a part of large construction projects like hospitals and sports stadiums. As a teenager, Leo watched Super Bowl XLVII on his lunch break and became inspired. He told Hoare that he wanted to play football again. Fortunately, Leo found out about an Australian punter who had been drafted to the NFL. During the time he was training for his professional career, Leo also faced the pressure of family tension and an injury.
Matt Leo is an undrafted rookie in the NFL. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program. Like Valentine Holmes, Leo has been working as a plumber. Although his NFL career has been somewhat delayed, he is still an intriguing prospect and could get a chance with the Philadelphia Eagles. Let’s learn more about him in this article. And stay tuned!
While Leo is an Australian native, his NFL debut comes after his release from the Reserve/COVID list on Wednesday. After being waived by the Eagles last year, Leo will get his chance to shine. In the meantime, his fellow Australians will give him a warm welcome. In addition to Leo’s teammates, the punter Cameron Johnston and tackle Jordan Mailata were quick to welcome him to the team after he arrived. The two teammates are eager to see Leo’s talents.
He played defensive end at Iowa State
The NFL has signed Leo as part of its global player development program, which gives international players an opportunity to play in the NFL. The 6-foot-7, 275-pound defensive end spent his entire high school career playing rugby before switching to football in 2015. He began playing the game at a JUCO level in Arizona Western in 2015 and made his debut for the Cyclones in 2018. Leo is 26 years old and will turn pro in 2019.
Prior to committing to Iowa State, Leo spent four years working in the construction industry, completing large construction projects in sports stadiums and hospitals. He was inspired by the stories of NFL players such as Jesse Williams and wanted to follow in his footsteps. After high school, he spent two years in Arizona Western Community College to refine his skills and then transferred to Iowa State. The Hawkeyes were impressed by his dedication and he made his commitment after just one year.
A former plumber in Australia, Leo was a promising junior college prospect. His athleticism has led to him being a mainstay of the Hawkeyes’ defense. But despite his impressive athleticism, Leo is modest and humble about his football skills. He will be a valuable asset for the Hawkeyes and the Big 12.
After graduating high school, Matt Leo studied to become a plumber and pursued a career in plumbing. He was a first-team Academic All-Big 12 selection for 2019 and was signed to the Eagles through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. He hopes to join the team when the roster is cut to 55 players early in September. If he fails to make the cut, he could end up on the Eagles’ practice squad or international player exemption list.
The former plumber and current Eagles tackle Matt Leo’s journey from JUCO to Division I football is a long one. But the love for rugby has driven him to succeed. While his next move may be tough, he is looking forward to his journey and will be supported by his teammates as he grows as a player. With a strong work ethic and hard work, Leo is sure to make it to the NFL.
He was selected to the International Player Pathway Program
Amid the growing concern about the NFL’s global appeal, the NFL has created a program to identify and help develop the talents of foreign-born players. It was launched last year and provides opportunities to players who have never played in the NFL. Leo, a 6-7, 275-pound defender, spent the past two years at Iowa State. Last season, he made 33 total tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss and three sacks.
Previously, the Australian defensive end played college football at Iowa State University. He was on his way to an apprenticeship with a plumbing company in Adelaide, but decided to pursue a football career instead. Now, he’s a defensive end on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad. Although Leo was not drafted, the program is designed to help young international athletes make their first NFL roster. After being selected by a team in the program, the player will be randomly assigned to one of the eight NFL divisions. He’ll also receive a practice squad exemption with the team to which he’s assigned.
The NFL recently announced the selection of nine players to the International Player Pathway Program. Four players were assigned to the program within each division. This means that Mailata didn’t count because the Eagles drafted him, but Leo did. This gives him a chance to get some valuable NFL experience and develop his game. The NFL’s IPP program is an excellent opportunity for talented international players to develop their skills.
In addition to Leo, the NFL also has selected three players from the IPP. Two of them were former South Sydney Rabbitohs. Another former Australian, Christian Wade, was also selected. His selection gives him the opportunity to join the Patriots or the Eagles. Those players will have the opportunity to play with any NFL team and earn a contract. So, if you’re an aspiring NFL player, this is the perfect opportunity to make it.
He has made it to the NFL as an international exemption
Former Iowa State defensive end Matt Leo has made it to the NFL after being signed as an international exemption. Leo signed with the Philadelphia Eagles this April through the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. Leo will play with his new teammates this summer and could potentially make the Eagles’ 53-man roster when the roster is cut to 55 in early September. If he does not make the roster, Leo could wind up on the practice squad as an IPP exemption.
Leo is one of nine international players chosen to participate in the NFL Global Player Development Program. The league is trying to broaden its appeal globally by giving foreign-born players an opportunity to play in the league. He spent the last two years playing for the Iowa State Cyclones and logged 33 tackles, including 11.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. Leo is an excellent prospect, and his name will be on many NFL rosters.
After spending three seasons with the Eagles’ international player pathway program, Leo was activated off the Reserve/COVID-19 list and signed with the team. He was waived before the start of the season, but spent the rest of the season on the practice squad. Leo was later promoted to the active roster, where he played in the NFL’s preseason games. The Eagles also granted him a roster exemption as an international player for the second straight season.
Like other undrafted free agents, Leo has moved to the US in search of a career in football. His success has helped him reach the highest level of the sport. NBC Sports’ MyTeams App is a great way to stay updated with your favorite teams. You can even stream games of the Phillies on the app. It’s as simple as that. So, what are you waiting for?
The NFL recently instituted the International Player Pathway Program, which will provide more opportunities to non-North American athletes to play in the NFL. Currently, there are nine players in the program, and the goal is to give them experience and a chance to play in the NFL. But for the rest of us, it won’t happen. Until then, let’s look at the path Leo took to get to the NFL.
