More Brits set for the NFL? Adedayo Odeleye and Ayo Oyelola selected to participate in the 2021 International Player Pathway Program

Two British American football players will be offered a shot at the pros as they prepare to compete with some of the world’s biggest talents for a spot on a NFL roster.  

Adedayo Odeleye and Ayo Oyelola have each been selected to participate in the 2021 International Player Pathway Program along with nine other candidates from Europe, Asia, Oceania and South America.  

The International Player Pathway Program has existed since 2017 and was created with the intention to offer players outside of the United States an opportunity to take their talents stateside.  

Odeleye is entering the program as a defensive end, appearing at the position in BUCS Division 1 for Loughborough University. 

Meanwhile, Oyelola played in BUCS American Football as a linebacker and defensive back at Nottingham University, while he also reached the top division of the British American Football Association for the London Olympians. Oyelola also appeared in the BUCS all-stars game in 2019 – in which he recorded two sacks and was named MVP.  

The program has seen a huge increase in success in recent seasons, with players such as Australian Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata, Scotsman punter for the Cleveland Browns Christian Scotland-Williamson and German running back for the New England Patriots Jakob Johnson all seeing regular playing time. 

Notable British alumni of the program include current Carolina Panthers defensive end Efe Obada and rugby player turned NFL running back for the Buffalo Bills, Christian Wade. 

The nine other players which will compete for a spot on one of the 32 NFL rosters are Aaron Donkor (Germany), Taku Lee (Japan), Yoann Miangue (France), Leonel Misangumukini (Austria), Max Pircher (Italy), Sammis Reyes (Chile), Bernhard Seikovits (Austria), Lone Toailoa (New Zealand) and Alfredo Gutierrez (Mexico). 

Having been named to the program, these players will now depart for the States where they will be trained in preparation for the new season.  

After training camp, the NFL will select at random one of the eight divisions of the league. Each of the players involved in the program will be eligible to sign with their assigned team as an addition to the team’s practice squad.

By Kit McIntosh