Patrick Murtagh of the Gold Coast Swans, now on the Denver Broncos practice squad.
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Patrick Murtagh of the Gold Coast Swans, now on the Denver Broncos practice squad.
The Denver Broncos have finally cut down their 90-man training camp roster to just 53 names, with moves and dealings continuing on throughout the ensuing days.
Alongside the 16 players who were signed to the team’s practice squad, Denver also bought in a unique talent in the form of ex Aussie rules football player and decathlete, Patrick Murtagh, per Mike Klis of Kusa TV.
Pending physical, TE Patrick Murtagh will become Broncos 17th practice squad player today under International exemption. Former Australian footballer and decathlete, Murtagh, 25, was with Jaguars last year. He’s 6-6, 250 and moves well.
— MikeKlis9NEWS (@mikeklis9news) August 28, 2025
“Pending physical,” Klis wrote on Thursday, “TE Patrick Murtagh will become Broncos 17th practice squad player today under International exemption. Former Australian footballer and decathlete, Murtagh, 25, was with Jaguars last year. He’s 6-6, 250 and moves well.”
Patrick Murtagh Gets Another Crack At The Denver Broncos
This is not the first contact the 25-year old would have had with the organization since joining the NFL International Player Pathway Program back in 2023. He then re-entered in 2024 after injury forced him out the year prior.
Murtagh then tried out for the Broncos back in June after getting waived by the Jacksonville Jaguars back in May, but left without an offer. Now sitting in the final, additional practice squad spot, Murtagh will have an opportunity to hone his craft and learn behind one of the more dynamic receiving tight ends in football in Evan Engram.
“Murtagh is a raw athlete with a strong track background competing in the triple jump, high jump, and several other events.” Alex Malchow of American Football International wrote back in 2024, “He also won the state decathlon championship.”
“The former track star was a late addition to the 2022 NFL International Combine in London, England in October, but managed to impress scouts with his length, build, and explosive jumping ability. He also punted the ball extremely well for scouts following the position drills.”
What Does The Broncos’ Tight End Look Like After Final Cuts?
The room is fairly solid, with two good options in the form of Engram and former Saint, Adam Trautman.
Beyond that, the options remain fairly slim – although backup option, Lucas Krull, did manage 152 yards receiving last season.
Head coach, Sean Payton, spoke significantly about the importance of finding a “joker” – a tight end or running back with elite receiving capabilities – such as what he had with Alvin Kamara back with the New Orleans Saints.
But outside of Engram, there are no clear takers. Second round pick, RJ Harvey, could be a contender, although he did not show much receiving talent on display during his time at UCF.
Murtagh’s clearly phenomenal ability as an athlete and background in a contact sport not dissimilar to football will clearly have him on Payton’s radar as someone who could potentially be a key contributor in the future.
For now, he will wait and learn – and potentially this could start his journey to being one of the more intriguing prospects in the league.