Falcons sign England rugby sevens star Alex Gray to practice squad

The Atlanta Falcons are looking across the pond for some hidden gems.

Former England rugby sevens player Alex Gray has been signed to the Falcons' practice squad as part of an initiative helping international players get a shot in the NFL. All four NFC South teams will be granted an extra practice squad spot for players such as Gray.

The 26-year-old will try out as a tight end. He will be ineligible to be activated during the season as part of the program.

"I have been working hard for this goal and to be told it was going to happen was an amazing moment," Gray said, according to ESPN's Tom Hamilton. "This is the start of another journey."

Gray was a star for the England rugby sevens side. He also captained England's Under-16, 18, and 20 teams and played for London Irish and Newcastle Falcons.

"It is a fantastic thing that is happening, but I am not going to get to where I want to be without keeping myself grounded," Gray said. "Making the decision to give this my all from rugby, there was a big transition period and it was mentally very humbling.

"When you have to start from scratch again, that was a huge mental battle for me. When I look back I will be very proud of the way I approached this."

Gray has been training in Florida with former New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora, who was born in England.

"This is an important part of the league's overall strategy to grow internationally," NFL executive vice president of international Mark Waller said. "We are building this pathway program in order to provide international athletes with the opportunity to play in the league, which will increase the pool of talent, develop heroes who can inspire others and drive fan growth."