British NFL star Efe Obada on joining Washington Commanders and sport's 'amazing' growth in UK

British NFL star Efe Obada has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2022 season in a ‘full circle’ moment for the defensive end.

In 2018, Obada became the first player from the International Pathway Program to earn a 53-man roster spot in the NFL. He joined the Carolina Panthers and, under the leadership of Ron Rivera, established himself as a genuine threat to opposition quarterbacks.

Obada sacked the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady in 2020 before moving to the Buffalo Bills, where he experienced the playoffs for the first time. Unfortunately, the Bills crashed out at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs - but Obada has now landed at the place he perhaps always wanted to be.

The 29-year-old praised Rivera’s influence and the culture he creates within an organisation as the key factors in his choice to move to the capital of the United States. Obada believes Rivera is a true role model who creates the perfect environment to deliver success and develop both on and off the field.

“He obviously gave me my start in the NFL and the opportunity to showcase what I felt I was capable of,” Obada said just one day after his move to the Commanders was confirmed. “Regrettably, I felt like I should have made the decision earlier - but I didn’t want to make the same mistake. It feels like a good fit, and I want to just be a part of the culture he creates.

“I was very adamant that there wasn’t any other team that I wanted to play for, and I didn’t want to play for any other coach.”

Obada looks forward to bringing the experience he has gained during his time in the NFL to the defensive line, which includes young stars in Chase Young and Montez Sweat. The Brit hopes his work ethic and desire to impact scenarios