The Buffalo Bills took a leaf out of Kansas City’s book by selecting former English rugby player Travis Clayton with the 221st overall pick of the NFL Draft.
Almost a month since the Chiefs handed ex-Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit a three-year contract at Arrowhead, the Bills opted to draft Clayton in the seventh and final round of this year’s draft, which sparked jubilant scenes amongst his friends and family back home in the southern England town of Basingstoke.
In a clip posted by the NFL, the 6ft 7in prospect’s close circle can be seen celebrating wildly as he makes his way on stage at the draft to officially join Buffalo.
Clayton, who is expected to play as an offensive lineman, has never played American football competitively despite joining the NFL Academy back in 2019.
He was eligible to be chosen in the draft after participating in the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, which allows potential stars from overseas to impress scouts in the offseason.
Former English rugby player Travis Clayton was selected by the Bills at the NFL Draft
Clayton, who participated in the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program, was picked as 221st overall by Buffalo
He has followed in the footsteps of ex-Wales rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, who signed for the Kansas City Chiefs last month
Rees-Zammit also took part in the IPP, yet because he is more than four years out of high school the Chiefs were able to sign him outright instead of waiting for the draft.
Clayton, meanwhile, is currently in his fourth year out of high school, meaning the Bills could only select him at the draft.
At 303lbs, the Brit showcased plenty of athletic ability during his short-lived rugby career before clearly winning over Buffalo scouts at the IPP.
Several players have made the transition from rugby to football over the years, including current Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata.
Aside from rugby, Clayton has tried boxing, soccer, rowing, skeleton and tennis.
He was in attendance at the draft in Detroit to hear his name announced.
Clayton believes his short-lived experience in rugby will stand him in good stead in the NFL
As a pathway program grad, Clayton won’t count against Buffalo’s roster if he fails to make the cut.
‘With rugby also being a team sport, I believe that helps tremendously, my team knowledge and what it takes to communicate properly here and in the future, hopefully in the NFL,’ he said about his transition to football.
‘More importantly playing the wing in rugby helps with the physicality side and with agility and things like that will help.’
