INDIANAPOLIS โ Jonas Sanker, a former safety from Virginia, is carving out a distinctive journey toward the NFL draft this week. From playing high school basketball in Charlottesville, Virginia, to starring in eight-man football, Sankerโs pathway is one of resilience and hard work, resembling a Hollywood storyline. Transitioning from fast-paced high school games to leading as a college captain and now aiming for a professional career, Sanker faced challenges head-on.
Adjusting from a narrower high school field to a standard college field presented a learning curve, but Sanker embraced it. In eight-man football, where the game is played with fewer players, every participant is a potential receiver, leading to generally higher-scoring games. This version of football is appealing to schools that cannot compete in the traditional 11-man format.
With growing concerns over concussions and a decline in football participation, the eight-man game is seen as a safer alternative due to fewer intense collisions. For some, it has become a gateway to the NFL. If Sanker secures a spot on a team this fall, he will be among a select group of eight-man football athletes in the NFL since 2017, joining names like Spencer Brown, Leighton Vander Esch, and Tarik Cohen.
The world of football continually seeks players who take unconventional routes and exhibit creativity and athleticism. Historical figures like Bob Hayes, who transitioned from an Olympic sprinter to an NFL champion, and Renaldo Nehemiah, a world-record hurdler who played with San Francisco, have set precedents. Todayโs talent pool expands globally, with Australian kickers frequenting the NFL and players emerging from Europe and Africa.
This yearโs draft class echoes this trend. Elijah Arroyo, a tight end from Miami, adapted from playing with a Spanish playbook in Mexico to learning the ropes in Texas high school football against more formidable opponents. Despite the language shift, Arroyo found common ground in the sport, recognizing footballโs universal components.
One of the most intriguing stories is that of defensive end Ahmed Hassanein. From a football novice at 16 to a standout at Boise State, Hassaneinโs journey began in Egypt, where sports became a refuge during his parentsโ separation. Starting with ping pong and jujutsu, he excelled in CrossFit, which laid the groundwork for his football endeavors.
After returning to football at his brotherโs encouragement, Hassanein, previously Egyptโs top CrossFit athlete, is on the brink of joining the NFL. His awakening to American football, sparked by watching Aaron Donald, reflects a remarkable transition from Egyptian amateur to almost-professional athlete.
As Sanker reflects on his journey, he appreciates the unique experiences and connections made along the way. โItโs overwhelming at first but being here, meeting people, and soaking it all in is amazing,โ he said. Sankerโs gratitude for the opportunity fuels his determination to seize the moment and leave a mark in the NFL.