EXCLUSIVE: Jaguars' international rookie explains how he's adapting to life in the USA
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie defensive back Ayo Oyelola signed with the team on May 3, 2022, as part of the NFL's International Pathway Program.
Oyelola is adjusting to a change from British culture to American culture, something that will be an interesting experience for him as he grew up in London.
He spoke with the Sportskeeda team in an exclusive interview and revealed some cultural differences between the two countries.
“Like how American’s say ‘fast’ and I say it like ‘fah-st'. You say y’all'. I’d never say that. ‘Buhl’ and ‘ball-, just a lot of stuff. The way I say it is like a completely different word."
He then went on to explain how, in terms of betting, Brits call parlays an accumulator, and 'football' means soccer over there.
“In the locker room we were just talking about betting. When you bet, like 10 teams on a sheet, I call it an accumulator. They call it a parlay here. There’s loads. Obviously soccer, football.”
We have been allocated DB Ayo Oyelola through the NFL’s International Pathway Program.
Welcome to #DUUUVAL, Ayo!
Ayo Oyelola thinks the international program is important for the NFL
Oyelola is one of seven players in the NFL on an active roster from the international program. The program began in 2016 and had two players join in - Moritz Bohringer and Anthony Dable.
The goal of the program is to increase football worldwide and to give athletes from non-American countries an oppourtunity to play American football professionally.
Oyelola came out of the program and made the Jaguars' 53-man roster this season. He thinks the program is important for two reasons. He believes that there could be some hidden talent found in other countries as the program allows players like himself a shot at the NFL.
“I think it’s important for both international players and the NFL. First, because just in terms of the talent pool, you want to get the best players you possibly can, then it’s better to scan the world than just one country.
"Secondly, for international players, it’s great to know that there’s actually a pathway because if there wasn’t, I wouldn’t have played. It’s good that everybody who wants to play and is willing to work at least has a chance to make it, so it’s pretty cool.”
Oyelola is currently a part of the Jaguars' practice squad, but could be elevated at any point. The Jaguars play the Denver Broncos in his hometown of London this Sunday at 9:30 AM ET.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Sportskeeda