DANTE Barnett stumbled upon football when he was a teenager growing up in England’s midlands – and now he’s off to chase an NFL dream.
Barnett, 21, was selected for the league’s International Player Pathway program after his insane size and speed were scouted.
The defensive tackle bulked up to 280lbs while learning the game.
And he ran the 40-yard dash in an impressive 4.6 seconds.
Now he’ll head to the US in a bid to try and win a roster spot for next season.
“I remember the first time we went to Texas for camps,” he told The Sun. “It’s completely different to Birmingham.
“I think they are willing to talk more and seemed a bit more friendly – it might just be because I have this accent.
“The people and the weather are very nice so I’d love to stay over there.”
Barnett joined the NFL Academy in Loughborough, England when he was 16.
He played all sports growing up before a friend introduced him to American football.
The physicality of the game is what grabbed his attention the most.
“It’s a very technical game so that took a while to learn,” he said.
“But in terms of it being physical, I always enjoyed that and it became an outlet for me so there wasn’t anything I was shy of.
“I’ve always been pretty quick – I first ran a 4.78 in my first year but the development at the Academy was astronomical.
“I came in at around 260lbs, and then with the lifting and impact of the hits, you start to figure out what your body needs.
“I have always been pretty big so it’s wasn’t too difficult to put the weight on.”
The NFL’s International Player Pathway was established in 2017 to give athletes from around the world a chance to win a spot on a team.
The NFL's International Player Pathway was founded in 2017.
Every year it gives athletes from around the world a chance to earn a spot on a roster.
Scouts pick a select group of players to travel to the US and take part in training camps.
Players can then be signed as free agents or chosen at the NFL Draft.
There are currently 18 IPP players in the NFL with five of them on active rosters.
Those are Jordan Mailata (Philadelphia Eagles), Efe Obada (Washington Commanders), Jakob Johnson (Las Vegas Raiders), Sammis Reyes (Washington Commanders) and David Bada (Washington Commanders).
Scouts select a number of players to take part in camps in the United States.
There are 18 IPP players currently on NFL rosters and five of them have reached the active team – including Efe Obada at the Washington Commanders.
“Efe has got a lot but he also gives a lot,” Barnett said.
“The advice he’s given me, sometimes I’ve been able to just call him and sit down and talk for hours.
“He’s been a big part of my football journey and I’m very grateful for him – there’s not enough words I can give for him.”
