English rugby union winger Travis Clayton has made headlines after being selected by the Buffalo Bills in the final round of the NFL Draft. Despite having no prior experience in American football, the 23-year-old will be making the transition to play as an offensive lineman for the NFL team.
Clayton currently plays in the eighth tier of domestic rugby for Basingstoke, a club that competes in the Counties 2 Hampshire division. His exceptional speed and athleticism were showcased when he completed the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.79 seconds during the NFL Combine.
Coach Richard Cheetham has described Clayton’s transition to American football as “extraordinary”, praising his determination and natural talent. Clayton was selected from the NFL’s International Player Pathway programme, which aims to provide opportunities for international players to showcase their skills in the league.
The Buffalo Bills were particularly impressed with Clayton’s speed and athleticism, leading to their decision to draft him. NFL franchises now have additional places in their practice squads specifically for international players, with the ability to promote them to the active roster up to three times during the season.
It will certainly be interesting to see how Clayton adapts to the rigorous demands of American football, but his athleticism and determination have already caught the attention of the NFL world. Stay tuned for updates on Clayton’s journey from rugby union to the NFL on Forever Sports Online.
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