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The NFL's work in Africa has turned a corner over the last seven months, with the 2026 draft signalling a pivotal point in the league's work on the continent.
Several American players of African descent were drafted, which is nothing out of the ordinary. Where the league broke new ground was with a tremendously successful group of International Player Pathway (IPP) Program graduates.
Seydou Traore (UK, Algeria & Ivory Coast) was picked 180th by the Miami Dolphins and became the first NFL Academy product drafted. Nigeria's Uar Bernard - a fellow IPP Program product - was selected 251st by the Philadelphia Eagles despite having no competitive football experience.