The Miami Dolphins selected Mississippi State tight end Seydou Traore with the 180th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Born in France and raised in South London, Traore is of Algerian and Ivorian heritage, with his mother from Algeria and his father from the Ivory Coast. A former soccer goalkeeper, the 6-foot-3, 244-pound tight end developed into one of college football's most intriguing athletic prospects and became the first NFL Academy graduate ever selected in the NFL Draft.

The Philadelphia Eagles selected Bernard with the 251st overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft despite the fact that he had never played an organized football game prior to the 2026 preseason. Born in Nigeria, Bernard arrived with rare physical traits, measuring 6-foot-4, 306 pounds, and six percent body fat. At the HBCU Showcase and International Player Pathway Pro Day in March, he recorded a 4.63-second 40-yard dash and a 39-inch vertical jump, showcasing the elite athleticism that made him one of the most unique prospects in his draft class.

A priority undrafted free agent signing by the Philadelphia Eagles, Weru was selected to the International Player Pathway (IPP) Class of 2026 after a rugby career that included time with England's Northampton Saints Academy and the Kenyan National Rugby Team. Inspired by former rugby standout Christian Wade's transition to the NFL, Weru pursued the same path despite never having played organized tackle football. At the 2026 IPP Pro Day, he showcased elite athleticism with a 4.45-second 40-yard dash, 41.5-inch vertical jump, and 11-foot-2-inch broad jump before signing with Philadelphia and appearing in 98 preseason snaps during his first exposure to American football.

Entering the NFL through the IPP Program in 2022, the 6-foot-5 offensive tackle developed into a key contributor after appearing in four games for Kansas City during the 2025 season, including starts in the final three contests. Godrick made league history in 2026 when he became the first IPP player ever claimed by another club during final roster reductions to the 53-man roster, ultimately joining the Miami Dolphins.

Born in Agbogugu, Nigeria, Okoye entered the NFL through the International Player Pathway (IPP) Program after being discovered at Osi Umenyiora's Uprise (Africa) camp and earning Offensive MVP honors at the inaugural NFL Africa Camp in 2022. After spending two seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, he became the first Africa-based IPP graduate to appear in an NFL regular-season game, playing in 13 games for Baltimore in 2025. On Aug. 29, 2026, the New York Giants acquired Okoye from the Ravens in exchange for a 2028 seventh-round draft pick, marking the first trade in NFL history involving an IPP player.

Born in Nigeria, Obada grew up homeless in London. After a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys during their 2014 trip to London, he was signed to an offseason contract. During the next two years, Obada held offseason and practice squad positions with the Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, and Atlanta Falcons. He broke through as an IPP participant with the Carolina Panthers in 2017 and became the first IPP player to make a 53-man roster in 2018. In 2018, Obada was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 3. Obada retired in 2026 after earning 8 NFL Pension Credited seasons and is now a mentor to the IPP Program.