Joshua Weru has made history after signing with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent, becoming the first Kenyan and first East African to join a National Football League franchise.
Weru’s landmark move comes through the league’s International Player Pathway (IPP) program, which helps global athletes transition into American football.
The former rugby star will play as a Defensive End (DE) and Edge Rusher, positions that rely heavily on speed, strength, explosiveness, and tackling ability.
His rugby background makes him a natural fit for the defensive role, where players are tasked with pressuring the quarterback, stopping runs, and disrupting offensive plays.
Before switching sports, Weru built an impressive rugby career with the Kenya Simbas, where he featured mainly as a Number 8 and blindside flanker.
He also developed overseas, spending time with the Northampton Saints senior academy in England and a rugby sevens development setup in France.
In 2024, he began his transition to American football, training at Arizona State University and EXOS to prepare for the NFL opportunity.
Weru’s testing numbers helped attract NFL attention. He reportedly clocked a 4.45-second 40-yard dash and posted a 41-inch vertical jump, rare numbers for an athlete standing 6’4″ and 244 lbs.
Joshua Weru also comes from a sporting family. He is the son of Ken Thimba, a respected former player and coach involved with Kenya rugby and Kenya Harlequin.
Weru’s signing is being celebrated as a breakthrough moment for Kenyan sport, proving athletes from the country can reach elite global leagues outside athletics and rugby.
