Travis Clayton Bio
Travis Clayton is an English professional American football offensive tackle who was born on February 17, 2001, in Basingstoke, England. He started his athletic career playing rugby union and transitioned to American football as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway Program. In 2024, he was drafted in the 7th round of the NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills, making history as one of the few international players to join the league. Standing 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighing 301 pounds, Clayton is known for his impressive physical attributes and versatility on the field.
Early Life and Background
Travis Clayton grew up in Basingstoke, Hampshire, in England. He played a number of sports growing up, including association football, rowing, and boxing, before later focusing on rugby union. He played football as a member of the Fulham Academy and later had stints with Reading, Southampton, and Chelsea. He later joined Basingstoke R.F.C., a team in the eighth tier of the English rugby union system.
Path to American Football
Clayton first tried out American football in 2019, spending time with the newly started NFL Academy in London, although he left the program soon after. Four years later, he decided to give the sport another shot. He rejoined the academy and, after success there, was chosen in January 2024 as one of 16 participants in the National Football League’s International Player Pathway Program, designed to give international players more opportunities to play in the league. Clayton spent ten weeks learning the sport while training at IMG Academy. He received praise for his pro day performance, measuring at 6 feet 7 inches and 301 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan, while running the 40-yard dash in 4.81 seconds. His 40-yard dash time was better than any offensive lineman at the NFL Scouting Combine. He was invited to tryout with several teams and received comparisons to Jordan Mailata, an Australian rugby league player who became a starter for the Philadelphia Eagles. Unlike other IPPP participants, Clayton was eligible for the 2024 NFL draft due to being within four years of having graduated high school. Although he had never played in a game of American football before, he was chosen in the seventh round of the draft – 221st overall – by the Buffalo Bills, becoming the second-ever IPPP participant to be drafted after Mailata. He was placed on injured reserve on August 27, 2024. On August 26, 2025, Clayton was released by the Bills as part of final roster cuts and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.
Travis Clayton Career
Early Career (2024)
Travis Clayton’s professional career began in 2024 when he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills. His selection in the seventh round of the NFL draft marked a significant milestone in his journey as an international player. Despite his limited experience in American football, his physical attributes and performance during training caught the attention of scouts and coaches, leading to his selection.
Breakthrough (2024)
Clayton’s breakthrough moment came when he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills. His journey from rugby union to American football is a testament to his athletic versatility and determination. His performance at the NFL Academy and subsequent training at IMG Academy showcased his potential as a professional athlete.
Notable Works and Milestones
Travis Clayton’s signature moment came with his selection in the 2024 NFL draft, where he became one of the few international players to be drafted into the league. His journey reflects the growing opportunities for international athletes in American football.
Travis Clayton Award Nominations
As of now, Travis Clayton has not received any notable award nominations in his professional career.
Travis Clayton Awards Won
Travis Clayton has not won any awards in his professional career to date.
Travis Clayton Family
Information regarding Travis Clayton’s family is not publicly available.
Personal Life
Details about Travis Clayton’s personal life, including marital status and children, are not publicly available.