On April 8, the Giants signed offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka, one of their most intriguing and unforeseen prospects of this, or any, offseason. Now they are documenting his every move for the world to see.
In collaboration with the NFL, "Roy Mbaeteka: Journey to the NFL" is a three-part docuseries, premiering on the Giants YouTube channel, that follows Mbaeteka as he takes his next step 5,000 miles from his Nigerian home, where he was discovered by Giants legend Osi Umenyiora.
Mbaeteka was first spotted by Umenyiora at a camp in Nigeria in May 2021. With no high school or college football experience, the 6-9, 320-pound offensive tackle was one of three players selected to participate in the NFL International Combine in London in October. Three months later, the league announced that he was one of 13 players selected to compete for a spot in the 2022 International Player Pathway program. The NFL then held a showcase for the international players in Arizona, and the Giants were so impressed with Mbaeteka that the team flew him to New Jersey and signed him.
"This is a human-interest story as much as it is a football story," Chief Commercial Officer Pete Guelli said. "It provided an incredible opportunity to use our content platforms and really dive into Roy's incredible journey to get to the NFL and his path moving forward."
"The NFL features some of the best athletes in the world, regardless of their place of birth," said Damani Leech, COO of International for the NFL. "Roy is another great example of international players making an impact on this great game – showing others the pathway to the NFL and growing fandom around the world."
Episode 1, which is now available across all platforms, begins with how Mbaeteka not only discovered his love for the game in Nigeria but also caught the attention of the New York Football Giants. In this episode, you will follow Roy on his journey from his home in Nigeria to Giants training camp.
In Episode 2, viewers pick up with Mbaeteka as he gets his name and number and takes the field throughout training camp and the preseason.
Episode 3 will center on the road ahead for Mbaeteka and adjusting to his new life in New York. Episodes 2 and 3 will be released throughout the summer leading up to the regular season.
View photos of offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka, who was discovered by Giants legend Osi Umenyiora.