Jay Ajayi hopes to see more British players make way into NFL
Friday 21 October 2016 17:06, UK
Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi hopes to inspire more players from the United Kingdom to make their dreams of playing in the NFL reality.
Ajayi, who was born in London and lived in the UK until the age of seven, produced easily the best performance of his professional career for the Dolphins against the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday.
He became the first player this year to run for more than 200 yards, also scoring a pair of touchdowns as Miami beat one of the season's most impressive teams 30-15.
Ajayi sees himself as an ambassador for American Football in the UK and hopes more people will try to make the pro ranks by going overseas to study - he had a successful three year college career with Boise State.
"I think that being from England, I have a unique story compared to others in the NFL," he said.
"It is great to put the UK on the map as I continue to play well and I hope to continue to help the game grow over there. When I look back I would never have dreamt of being where I am now.
"Hopefully someone can see me over there and say maybe they can make it just because they see me doing it. I hope to continue to play well and be a good ambassador for the UK.
"I've had a lot of fan comments on social media about people wanting to start trying to make it. I see a lot of people are interested in trying to create their own path. It's cool seeing the comments on social media.
"I remember growing up and not knowing anything about American football. Now it's grown so much (in the UK); now all my family know about my performances and are tracking them.
"Just hearing the UK support for me and the NFL is great; it's great to watch the growth and how much it will continue to grow. It will be cool to see what the future holds for the NFL in the UK."
The second International Series game of the 2016-17 season takes place at Twickenham on Sunday when the New York Giants take on the Los Angeles Rams.
Ajayi had a chance to taste the atmosphere of Wembley Stadium himself last year, although he was injured and unable to play in their clash with the New York Jets.
And he hopes that will not be his only chance to play at home, adding: "It was tough not being able to play last year, I was a little bit disappointed.
"Hopefully in the future I get another opportunity to come over there and play. It would be an incredible experience for me and my family. Who knows what the schedule holds but I look forward to it happening if it does."
