Paschal Ekeji
Career Summary
Paschal Ekeji is a Lesotho-born defensive lineman who developed through rugby in South Africa before joining the New York Jets through the NFL International Player Pathway program.
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High School
Ekeji played rugby for Grey College in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
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College Career
Ekeji attended Stellenbosch University in South Africa and continued his rugby development before pursuing American football through the International Player Pathway program.
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Path to the NFL
Ekeji was selected to the NFL's 2025 International Player Pathway class, trained at IMG Academy, and later signed to the Jets' practice squad before agreeing to a reserve/future contract.
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NFL Career
The Jets designated Ekeji as their exempt international player in May 2026. NFL player information lists him as an active defensive end for New York.
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Career Accomplishments
Ekeji was one of 13 athletes from 12 countries chosen for the NFL's 2025 International Player Pathway class and was among the participants at the first NFL Africa Camp in 2022.
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Playing Style
At the NFL Africa Camp, Ekeji showed size, smoothness in and out of breaks and coachability as he began his transition to American football. The Jets listed him at 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds.
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31850, 00-0040793, 3/19/2002, Paschal Ekeji, Paschal, Ekeji
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