Rising British NFL Academy star Daniel Akinkunmi sets sights on college football glory

Posted : 12 October 2023

In a thrilling turn of events, Daniel Akinkunmi, an 18-year-old hailing from London, found himself in an electrifying moment at his very first college football game. Not only did he witness the spectacle, but he was also invited into the inner sanctum of the Oklahoma Sooners players' tunnel.

The head coach himself acknowledged his presence, offering a fist bump of camaraderie, as his team burst out of the locker room, filled with exuberance and chants that reverberated with energy.

The atmosphere was electric, and 83,221 fans erupted with cheers as the players stormed onto the field. For Akinkunmi, this was a wholly novel experience, one that left an indelible mark on his memory.

What makes this moment all the more remarkable is that in the coming year, Akinkunmi himself could be taking to the field, facing the thunderous applause of thousands. As a graduate of the NFL Academy, based in the UK, he's on a unique journey.

This academy provides young talents between the ages of 16 and 19 from Europe and Africa with a chance to pursue higher education while undergoing rigorous American football training.

For the best of them, scholarships in the USA beckon, where they can earn degrees and position themselves for the NFL draft. Since its inception in 2019, the NFL Academy has seen over 40 graduates secure scholarships, with Akinkunmi standing as the most sought-after prospect to date.

Born in London, with Nigerian roots, Akinkunmi's journey was a path less traveled. Initially a basketball enthusiast, he switched to American football after joining the Academy in 2021.

The dedication he displayed was nothing short of exceptional – commuting for five hours daily from Doncaster to London for lessons and practice, even preparing his meals during the journey using a portable microwave.

However, in 2022, the Academy's relocation to Loughborough provided him with the opportunity to reside on campus, a game-changing move for this 6ft 5in, 305lb offensive lineman.

Not one to let his talent go unnoticed, Akinkunmi has used social media to document his progress and participated in Academy trips to the USA, showcasing his prowess at training camps.

His dedication has paid off handsomely, garnering him more than 30 offers from colleges eager to have him join their ranks. The path he treads is one of passion, perseverance, and the promise of a bright future in American football.

Rising British NFL Academy star Daniel Akinkunmi sets sights on college football glory

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