Paschal Ekeji’s rise to the NFL wasn’t glamorous, but it was earned the hard way, from Stellenbosch rugby fields, through injuries and setbacks, to the New York Jets.
South Africa (22 January 2026) – “I’ll see you guys at the top,” Paschal Ekeji says. “I’m just taking the stairs.”
It is a line that captures his journey perfectly. It was unglamorous, patient and earned the hard way. From Varsity Cup rugby in Stellenbosch to the New York Jets’ practice squad, Paschal’s rise into the NFL has been anything but straightforward.
Paschal’s journey began far from the bright lights of New York. After coming through the South African school rugby system, Paschal entered the professional pathway at a time when the world had come to a standstill. The Covid-19 pandemic robbed him of key opportunities, including Craven Week, and left many young athletes unsure of what lay ahead. Like many others, he returned home, waited, prayed and hoped for clarity.
Stressed and searching for direction, Paschal leaned heavily on faith and family.
“I was praying, asking God what would happen next.”
That breakthrough came when Western Province offered him a contract an opportunity he believes set up a lot of the things that have happened in his life today.
He enrolled at Stellenbosch University, balancing rugby and his studies, and progressed through the junior ranks before making his Currie Cup debut in 2022.
“Being in that professional environment taught me things I didn’t know. How to prepare your body, your mind and how serious it really is.”
A call from an NFL scout changed the trajectory of his career. Though he was too young at the time for the International Player Pathway (IPP) programme, Paschal attended the NFL Africa Camp in Ghana.
“It intrigued me. It opened my eyes to what could be possible.”
But the road forward was anything but smooth. In 2023, during a contract year, Paschal suffered a fractured kneecap that ended his season prematurely. While rehabbing, he completed his undergraduate degree, later returning in 2024 to finish his honours and play Varsity Cup rugby for Stellenbosch.
Just as he was preparing for another campaign, another unexpected message arrived, this time inviting him to work out for the IPP programme in Cape Town. That workout led to an invitation to the United States, where Paschal spent months training in Florida and waiting for an opportunity that did not immediately come.
“When it didn’t happen, it felt heartbreaking. It felt like I had failed. I still believed I could go to the NFL. I knew I had what it takes. I just needed the right opportunity.”
After going undrafted, he returned to South Africa, training alone, sending footage to scouts and refusing to let go of the dream. A short Currie Cup stint with the Sharks kept him sharp, but it was a self-funded showcase in Miami he attended (short on resources) that finally changed everything.
Against more experienced American football players, Paschal stood out. But days later? A call came. The New York Jets wanted to see him!
The moment remains surreal.
“I was sitting next to Victor Cruz on the flight to New York. I told him my story, and he gave me advice about the business. That was crazy!”
After stunning the scouts, Paschal was then handed a contact with the Jets soon after the workout session with the Jets. The NFL dream demanded persistence. Pascal’s entry via the Jets Practice Squad might not have been the glamorous start some imagine, but it was an essential step.
“It was surreal. I couldn’t believe it. I had been dreaming about this for so long, and suddenly it was real. I just kept thinking, ‘This is happening!’”
And as he prepares for the next phase, he remains grounded.
“This is not the end of the story. I’m just taking the stairs.”
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