From London to the NFL: Travis Clayton’s unique journey to American football

Orchard Park, N.Y. (WHAM) — Every athlete’s path to the NFL is different.

For Travis Clayton, he needed a passport.

“Half the time, some of the players in the locker room don’t even know what I’m saying,” he said. “I feel like I’m starting to pick up some of the phrases. Not the accent just yet.”

Clayton grew up just outside of London. He played soccer, rugby, and was a rower.

So, why American football now?

“I think just the brutality of the sport,” he explained. “It’s just like, legally, being physical, but just kind of getting away with it.”

MORE: ‘Do the impossible’: Olympic wrestler Gable Steveson tackling NFL dream with Bills

Clayton loved it from the start, and being 6-foot-7-inches, 301 pounds, and a freak athlete, he saw his opportunity.

“I was part of the NFL Academy in 2019, so I kind of had the idea that I wanted to be a footballer,” he said.

The academy taught him the fundamentals. That paired with his raw abilities was enough for the Bills to take a shot on a guy who’s never played in a game before.

BACKGROUND: Bills take a chance on English rugby player Travis Clayton with their last pick in draft

Clayton said since then, life has been a whirlwind, as he settles into his new home while adapting to the NFL.

“It’s been difficult at times,” he said. “I think sometimes, you can’t look too much at the bad that’s going on in training. You have to take the little bits you’re doing well and work with them. Certain things are going well, I’m just trying to get better at one thing every single day.”

That’s Clayton’s goal: keep learning the game, and a new country — and maybe a new accent, too.

MORE: Bills announce 2024 training camp schedule | Preseason schedule set for Bills

For complete Bills coverage, visit the Buffalo Plus YouTube page.

_____