Home/NFL

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Prior to the regular 2022 season, the New York Giants begin to make some monumental changes in the roster. This time, they look into the budding prospects. The Giants now have a new offensive lineman on the roster, because of Osi Umenyiora’s participation. Offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka, is a part of the league’s International Player Pathway program this year.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

This is a huge win for Mbaeteka and his guru, former Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora, who grew up in Nigeria and was one of the first to see the 22-year-old athlete’s potential. Roy was a participant in the league’s London scouting combine.

New York Giants make a giant deal

The New York Giants signed one of their most fascinating, notable, and unexpected assets of the offseason. The team entered into a definitive agreement with offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka, a Nigerian who came through the NFL’s International Player Program, on Friday.

After the announcement went public, Osi Umenyiora, the mentor of Giants’ newest acquisition, took to Twitter, expressing his delight. He mentions, Hard to describe what has just happened here. I’m an emotional wreck. What this means for so many people where we come from is impossible to explain. Thank you [New York Giants]. This is what dreams are made of.”

Roy Mbaeteka is a 6-foot-9, 320-pound offensive tackle who has not played football in high school or university. Given that he has spent his entire life in Nigeria, this isn’t shocking. His budding football career has taken him to London and Arizona, among other places. Moreover, he’ll now report to the Quest Diagnostics Training Center, where the Giants feel he can strengthen into an American football offensive tackle.

Read More: Ron Rivera Calls For New Attitude From Commanders After Acquiring Carson Wentz: “We Should Be Ascending”

The Giants forecast that Mbaeteka can follow in the footsteps of Mailata, who, despite possessing no knowledge of the sport as a novice from Australia, became one of the Philadelphia Eagles’ regular left tackles in 3 years.

Roy Mbaeteka embarks on a new adventure

The OT Roy Mbaeteka is one of 13 players chosen from 9 countries to fight for a berth in the NFL’s Global Player Program in 2022. The program, which began in 2017, has spawned existing NFL players such as Efe Obada, Jakob Johnson, and Jordan Mailata.

The Giants scout Jeremy Breit genuinely loved what they were seeing after one successful Pro Day in Arizona. He was flown to New Jersey and gets signed into the team.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Roy was among other overseas talents and recruited the unrefined lineman. Of course, they looked to have the blessing of international scout Osi Umenyiora, as he followed Mbaeteka’s voyage.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Former NFL International Player Pathway alumnus Sandro Plazgummer of Austria accompanies the Nigerian talent in New York. Furthermore, Mbaeteka will undoubtedly benefit from the Giants’ and Umenyiora’s backing as he develops as a pro offensive lineman for the New York Giants in the future.

Watch This Story: Tom Brady Cites Multiple Challenges To Overcome Ahead of 2022 Season Including His Health, Fitness, and Injuries

Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!

Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.

Play Now!