ELF player Felix Lepper selected for NFL IPP
Felix Pahl
The NFL has announced the participants for its International Player Pathway (IPP) Program, and Felix Lepper, a player from the European League of Football, is among the selected athletes.
With his inclusion, Lepper becomes another ELF player to take an important step toward the highest level of American football.
From the ELF to the NFL opportunity
Lepper has played in the European League of Football for several franchises, including the Hamburg Sea Devils, Berlin Thunder, and Leipzig Kings. Over the past seasons, he impressed with his athleticism and physical tools, catching the attention of NFL scouts.
His performances earned him a spot among 13 international athletes selected from around the world for the IPP Program.
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Ideal size and strength at offensive tackle
Standing 2.05 meters tall and weighing 125 kilograms, the 23-year-old German offensive tackle brings ideal size to dominate at the line of scrimmage and protect the quarterback. In the 2025 season, Lepper was part of the starting unit on the Sea Devils’ offensive line before a short-term injury interrupted his campaign.
What the IPP program means
Starting in January 2026, the 13 selected athletes will take part in a 10-week training program at X3 Performance and Physical Therapy in Fort Myers, Florida. The program combines on-field football training with classroom education, preparing players for professional American football at the highest level.
After completing the program, the athletes will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of scouts from NFL teams.
A gateway to the NFL
The International Player Pathway Program is part of the NFL’s long-term commitment to growing the sport worldwide and creating opportunities for international talent.
IPP players can be signed as free agents or, if eligible, selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. Each NFL team may carry one international player throughout the offseason and can also sign eligible athletes to a special 17th practice squad spot, reserved for international players.
Since the launch of the IPP Program, 70 international players have signed with NFL teams. Currently, 22 IPP athletes are on NFL rosters, and 11 have reached active NFL squads, including Jordan Mailata, Jakob Johnson, Efe Obada, and Sammis Reyes, among others.
Another step for ELF talent
Felix Lepper’s selection highlights the growing pathway from the European League of Football to the NFL. His journey underlines the league’s role in developing international talent and creating opportunities to compete at the highest level of the sport.
