I used to play in the eighth tier of English rugby – playing for the Buffalo Bills in the NFL is a ‘pinch moment’.

BRITISH NFL star Travis Clayton has made the unlikely journey from Basingstoke to the Buffalo Bills.

Clayton most recently played rugby at the eighth tier of the English pyramid, for Hampshire Division 2 Counties club Basingstoke.

Today, the 6-foot-7, 303-pounder plays at the highest level of the sport as an offensive lineman for the Bills.

Clayton was selected with the 221st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, having recently participated in the International Pathway program.

The 23-year-old showed his worth at the Draft Combine, where he ran the 40-yard dash in an incredible time of 4.79 seconds.

His pace was faster than any offensive lineman at the Combine in the last 10 years.

“His metrics are, wow, off the charts,” Bills general manager Brandon Beane said.

It’s been an incredible rise for Clayton, who didn’t play American football growing up – but always dreamed of one day playing in the NFL.

“I followed the sport for probably four or five years,” Clayton told the US Sun.

“I’ve always had a passion for trying a new sport – and everything about the sport… the speed at which it evolves.

“I thought my abilities were perfect attributes to play in the NFL.”

Clayton, who has experience as a boxer, participated in the NFL Academy in 2019.

And he was lucky enough to participate in the International Pathway program this year.

“I already knew the coaches and staff at the NFL Academy,” he added.

“They had an idea of ​​my structure and my abilities.

“It was just a matter of showing them in the 10-week program in Florida and then hopefully getting picked for a team, which for me, happened.”

Clayton’s dreams came true when he was selected in the seventh round of the NFL draft by the Bills.

And his mother was with him to celebrate.

“It was the best thing in the world – I don’t think anything will compare to it,” he says.

“I didn’t really have time to process it because it was a whirlwind moment.

“Even being thrown on stage once I got drafted, I even had a speech ready, but it all went out the window.

“It’s always a moment when I pinch myself.

“But when I got to the Bills and saw my name on the locker, that’s when I realized it was real. »

It’s been a steep learning curve for Clayton, who is playing a completely new sport.

But so far, he’s enjoying the experience.

“There’s a lot to learn, of course…but everyone at the Bills has been very welcoming,” he said.

“I feel like the Buffalo Bills are such a family organization, everyone is close.

“You can go to anyone for any situation, like family problems or any problem outside of football, there is someone to talk to.

“Every offensive lineman out there, if I have a question about a different move or a different hand motion, they’re always there to support me. »

Clayton was first struck by the up-close sight of Bills quarterback Josh Allen – but quickly passed out.

“He’s a very big NFL player and a very big name. But after a week or so, he is my teammate and that’s how you should see him,” he said.

Clayton prepares for Buffalo’s cold winters.

“I have to buy a long coat – maybe several coats,” he jokes.

“It should be good – hopefully there won’t be too much snow, but you never know in Buffalo.”

And he has enjoyed life off the field in his new life in the United States.

“I like the food portions – they’re much bigger,” he says.

“So far, I’ve loved everything about America.”

Clayton says his dream is to play in the Super Bowl – and to take part in an NFL game in London.

“It would be great to play in the UK because my friends, peers and family could watch,” he says.

“But my main goal is to be a Super Bowl starter.”

Clayton is the third British athlete to join an NFL team this year, joining Kansas City Chiefs running back Louis Rees-Zammit and Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Praise Olatoke.

And he believes the trio can inspire the next generation of British NFL stars.

“I think a lot of kids in the UK will look up to us as role models and hopefully they can start playing flag football,” he says.

“I hope that me here can show that there is a path to get into the NFL and that the dream could become a reality.”