Patrick Murtagh Bio
Patrick Murtagh is an Australian professional American football tight end for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL) and a former professional Australian rules footballer for the Gold Coast Suns in the Australian Football League (AFL). Born on 11 February 2000 in Gold Coast, Queensland, Murtagh pursued professional athletics before transitioning to Australian rules football and ultimately finding his calling in American football through the NFL International Player Pathway Program (IPPP). His unique sporting journey spans multiple continents and disciplines, making him one of Australia’s most versatile professional athletes in team sports.
Early Life and Background
Murtagh was born on the Gold Coast to an Australian father and a mother from Papua New Guinea. He attended The Southport School throughout his formative years, where he developed into a talented multi-sport athlete. During his time at The Southport School, Murtagh excelled as a national-level decathlete and earned recognition as a Queensland state champion in track and field.
His athletic abilities also earned him a place on Australia’s Commonwealth pathway program, a government initiative designed to subsidize college tuition for promising athletes. Rather than pursuing the collegiate route, Murtagh chose to pursue a professional career in Australian rules football, marking the beginning of his transition through various sporting disciplines.
Path to American Football
At 18 years of age, Murtagh made a significant career switch by transitioning from athletics to Australian rules football. He began playing for the Labrador Tigers in the Queensland Australian Football League (QAFL), working his way through the club ranks before making his senior debut for the club in June 2019. His performances caught the attention of talent scouts, leading to an invitation to join the Gold Coast Suns Academy.
Murtagh’s progress through the development system proved rapid. He was drafted by his hometown professional AFL team, the Gold Coast Suns, as a Queensland Academy zone selection at the 2019 AFL draft. This achievement represented the culmination of his transition from track and field to professional team sports.
Patrick Murtagh Career
Gold Coast Suns (2020-2022)
Following his selection in the 2019 AFL Draft, Murtagh joined the Gold Coast Suns rookie list and spent three years with the club. During his tenure, he appeared in 28 games for the club’s developmental VFL team. His most notable achievement came when he helped lead the team to a preliminary final appearance against crosstown rivals the Southport Sharks. Throughout his Australian rules football career, Murtagh demonstrated positional versatility, playing in the ruck, key forward, and key defender positions.
Despite his developmental progress, Murtagh was delisted by the Gold Coast Suns in September 2022 without having played a top-level AFL game. This marked the end of his Australian rules football chapter and set the stage for his next athletic endeavor.
NFL International Player Pathway (2023)
In 2023, Murtagh joined the NFL International Player Pathway Program as a tight end, signaling his intent to pursue professional American football. The IPPP provides a pathway for international athletes to earn roster spots on NFL teams, offering training opportunities and exposure to American football’s highest level.
Detroit Lions (2023)
On May 4, 2023, Murtagh was allocated to the Detroit Lions through the International Player Pathway Program. However, his tenure with the Lions was short-lived. He was required to step down from his position on May 22, 2023, due to a medical issue that prevented him from continuing with the team at that time.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2024-2025)
Murtagh continued his pursuit of an NFL career and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars on April 15, 2024. This opportunity came through the continuation of his involvement with the International Player Pathway Program. He competed for a spot on the Jaguars roster during the 2024 season.
Murtagh was placed on the waived/injured list on August 27, 2024, ending his inaugural season with the organization. The Jaguars subsequently announced they had waived Murtagh on May 15, 2025, releasing him from the roster.
Denver Broncos Era (2025-Present)
Following his release from Jacksonville, Murtagh continued his professional journey by signing with the Denver Broncos practice squad on August 28, 2025. This move marked a new chapter in his NFL career as he joined his third NFL franchise. The practice squad assignment allows Murtagh to continue developing his skills with the Broncos while remaining part of the league.
Driving Style and Strengths
While still early in his American football career, Murtagh brings a unique athletic background to the tight end position. His experience as a national-level decathlete demonstrates exceptional athleticism and versatility that can translate to success in the NFL. The positional flexibility he developed playing ruck, key forward, and key defender in Australian rules football has equipped him with strong spatial awareness and the ability to adapt to different game situations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Murtagh’s career has been defined by significant transitions and milestones. His draft selection by the Gold Coast Suns in 2019 represented his first professional sports achievement. The preliminary final appearance with the Suns’ VFL team highlighted his competitive abilities at the state league level. His transition to American football through the International Player Pathway Program and subsequent signings with three NFL franchises demonstrate his persistence and adaptability in pursuing elite-level sporting opportunities.
Patrick Murtagh Career Wins
While Murtagh’s professional career has focused on development rather than championship victories, his achievements include notable milestones across multiple sports. In Australian rules football, his preliminary final appearance with the Gold Coast Suns’ VFL team stands as his most significant team accomplishment. His transition to the NFL and successful signing with three franchises represents a unique form of professional success uncommon among international athletes.
Other Wins and Performances
Prior to his professional sports career, Murtagh established himself as a standout athlete through his achievements in track and field. He earned recognition as a national-level decathlete and became a Queensland state champion, accomplishments that laid the foundation for his subsequent professional sporting career. His selection to Australia’s Commonwealth pathway program and his drafting to the AFL both represent significant individual honors in his athletic journey.
Patrick Murtagh Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Murtagh comes from a sporting family with strong athletic connections. He is the son of Michael Murtagh and Vala Murtagh. His father Michael, who was Australian, passed away due to cancer in 2021. His mother Vala hails from Papua New Guinea, giving Murtagh dual heritage that has influenced his diverse background and global outlook on his sporting career.
Personal Life
Beyond his athletic career, Murtagh maintains a strong presence on social media, connecting with fans through his Instagram account. The loss of his father in 2021 marked a significant personal challenge during his professional sports career. Despite this adversity, Murtagh continued pursuing his athletic ambitions, demonstrating resilience in the face of personal difficulty.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new beginning for Murtagh as he joins the Denver Broncos practice squad following his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Signed on August 28, 2025, Murtagh will look to establish himself within the Broncos organization and work toward earning a spot on the active roster. His journey through multiple NFL teams demonstrates the challenging path international players face in establishing themselves in the league.
The practice squad assignment provides Murtagh with valuable time to continue adapting to American football while learning under experienced coaches and teammates in Denver. The Broncos, a franchise with a storied history in the NFL, offers an environment conducive to player development. Murtagh’s versatility and athletic background provide a foundation upon which he can build as he refines his skills as a tight end.