Can a Brummie make the Cincinnati roster?
Every year, dozens of players join NFL teams as undrafted free agents (UDFAs). Unlike those who get drafted, it is a tougher route, requiring self-belief, resilience and a decent slice of luck.
The Cincinnati Bengals picked up 13 UDFAs a couple of weeks ago. There is a chance that a couple – especially long snapper William Wagner and center Seth McLaughlin – make the final roster.
From the West Midlands to the Midwest
But UK Bengals fans should be crossing their fingers for another UDFA in particular: Dante Barnett. The 21-year-old defensive tackle from Birmingham is chasing his dream via the International Player Pathway (IPP) programme.
The scheme, established in 2017, gives more athletes from outside the United States a shot at the NFL. The hopefuls from all over the world are invited to join special training camps every spring, watched by NFL scouts.
Now at Paycor Stadium, Barnett becomes one of a select few from this side of the pond to even get this far.
A remarkable journey
Discovering football at 16, Barnett was instantly drawn to the physical nature of the game. But his drive to succeed is deeply personal. He lost his father at a young age and worked shifts at the local Jaguar Land-Rover factory.
Seeing football as an outlet and a means to overcome personal challenges, he joined the NFL Academy in Loughborough. Here, he transformed himself, bulking up to 280 lbs.
Then, after three years, he enrolled at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania – a Division III school – for a season. Later, his size, speed (40-yard dash in 4.69 seconds) and potential were spotted by NFL scouts at the University of South Florida Pro Day.
An IPP invitation soon followed.
Following in fine footsteps
The IPP programme has already produced some notable names. Perhaps the best known is Jordan Mailata, the former Australian rugby player turned left tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Another is Efe Obada of the Washington Commanders. In fact, the London-raised defensive end has taken Barnett under his wing, offering support and guidance as he tries to navigate his way into the league.
And Barnett is not the only Brit in this year’s crop of 22 IPP hopefuls. Mapalo Mwansa, a defensive end from Peterborough, has been picked up by the Carolina Panthers. The group also includes three Irishmen as well as prospects from France to Fiji, and Nigeria to New Zealand.
And even if they fail to make a 53-man roster, any one of them could earn one of the extra practice squad places reserved for IPP graduates.
A long and winding road
Currently participating at Cincy’s rookie camp, the dream will be to follow other UK-born players into the league.
The roll of honour includes the Giants’ Scottish punter Jamie Gillan and Super Bowl-winning running back Jay Ajayi. Going further back, there was also kicker Mick Luckhurst, once of Atlanta Falcons and Channel 4 fame.
Zac Taylor recently stated that “If you are undrafted and want a chance to make a roster, come to Cincinnati.” But make no mistake, the road ahead will be long and steep, and the chances Barnett makes it to the final 53 are slim.
That said, if determination and hard work count for anything, this Brummie boy could yet suit up in stripes one day. I wish him well and will be following his progress with interest.
