{
  "id": 7923158,
  "title": "The Packers sparked an NFL memo on ineligible players",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/the-packers-sparked-an-nfl-memo-on-ineligible-players",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-17T01:46:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/packers-sparked-nfl-memo-ineligible-201859227.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The NFL recently issued a memo to team decision-makers, clarifying that players who left the league to pursue opportunities in college football for the 2026 season are ineligible to be signed or visit NFL clubs. This memo directly impacts Green Bay Packers as they recently signed defensive lineman Zxavian Harris and Dae’Quan Wright, both of whom had a history of character issues during their college careers. Harris, a highly-rated undrafted free agent from the 2026 draft, had a troubled past, including arrests for domestic violence, obstructing arrest, DUI, reckless driving, minor in possession, failing to use headlights, and running a stop sign. Wright, a former Cleveland Brown, also joined LSU, but did not practice with the team. The NFL has always had a policy of not allowing players who joined non-NFL teams to sign with an NFL club until the completion of both seasons. However, the Packers brought Harris in for a visit, sparking the NFL to send a memo, emphasizing that it is each club's responsibility to verify player eligibility, and violations can result in club discipline. The NFL Players Association is reportedly fighting to grant Harris and Wright NFL employment for the season, but the Packers have not released a statement regarding the incident.",
  "summary": "The NFL wants every club to know that Green Bay’s workout of Zxavian Harris was against their rules",
  "key_points": [
    "NFL memo clarifies ineligible players from college to NFL.",
    "Packers signed Harris and Wright despite character issues.",
    "NFL Players Association fighting for Harris and Wright's NFL jobs."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The NFL's memo signals a stricter enforcement of existing rules, putting teams on notice that signing players who played college football this season risks club discipline, and complicating player eligibility disputes.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}