The Detroit Lions are always searching for special players to add to their squad, and this time, they might turn across the Atlantic to sign wide receiver Ayo Oyelola.
Oyelola is related to the Detroit Lions because he was coached by current Lions assistant Deshea Townsend while he was a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. If Oyelola inks a contract with the Lions before Training Camp begins, don’t be shocked in the slightest.
International Pathway to the NFL
Oyelola, who is originally from Dagenham, England, had an unusual path to the NFL. He attended the University of Nottingham in the UK to play collegiate football before being selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in May 2022 via the International Player Pathway (IPP) program.
With this initiative, great international athletes will have the chance to participate in the NFL and possibly earn a seat on the roster. Oyelola was a member of the Grey Cup-winning Winnipeg Blue Bombers club of the Canadian Football League prior to his time with the Jaguars. His ability to adapt to multiple leagues and his physical prowess emphasize his potential value to an NFL squad.
Coaches’ Perspective
Oyelola’s ability was immediately apparent to University of Nottingham head football coach Jason Scott.One thing about Oyelola that immediately stood out was her ability to walk, handle herself, and move in a way that is apparent to even the most seasoned athlete. Ayo was daring and incredibly fast, with an incredible acceleration. Everything you could ask for in a defensive back, Scott said.
The University of Nottingham’s defensive coordinator, Ben Davies, also praised Oyelola for her extraordinary qualities. “Ayo was obviously a gifted athlete before he joined the team; he was swift, strong, and in good shape.” Davies made a statement. “He had an unwavering desire to give every drill and play his all, and he was always coachable if a little reserved.”
Current Relationships: Ayo Oyelola’s possible signing with the Detroit Lions is greatly impacted by his prior collaboration with Deshea Townsend, the defensive backs coach for the Lions, under whom he received training at the Jacksonville Jaguars. Unusual International Experience: Oyelola stands out from other NFL players due to his unusual path to the NFL via the International Player Pathway program and his time spent in the Canadian Football League.
Athletic Credentials: Oyelola’s outstanding athleticism, coachability, and desire are highlighted in the words of his University of Nottingham coaches, highlighting his potential importance to the Lions.
Safety Ayo Oyelola played for the Jacksonville Jaguars for the previous two seasons, where he was coached by Deshea Townsend, who is currently the defensive backs coach for the Lions.
The coach and player’s prior relationship may be a major factor in Oyelola’s decision to sign with the Lions. Oyelola was called in for a tryout at Detroit’s rookie minicamp in early May, demonstrating their interest in him immediately. The Lions’ persistent interest in him indicates that the door is still open, even though he wasn’t signed right away.
