Joshua Weru created history by becoming the first of East African and specifically the first Kenyan to ever be drafted to play in the USA football as he signed for Philadelphia eagles.
The Kenyan, former rugby backrower signed as an undrafted free agent via the NFL’s International Player Pathway, Class of 2026.Weru becomes the first Kenyan, and first East African, to join an NFL franchise.
Joshua is a standout rugby union player who represented the Kenya Simbas (national team) as a Number 8. He later transitioned into a defensive end/edge rusher. Born in Nairobi, he moved to England at age 14 and was part of the Northampton Saints academy before choosing to focus on international rugby for Kenya. Weru Stands at 6’4″ and weighs approximately 245 lbs, with elite testing numbers in speed and explosiveness.
Weru is the first Kenyan to reach the NFL since Daniel Adongo joined the Indianapolis Colts in 2013. He joins fellow African IPP athlete Uar Bernard (Nigeria) in Philadelphia, as the Eagles continue to expand their international scouting efforts.
Commenting on the draft, Kenya’s Sports CS H.E Salim Mvurya wrote: “This is a milestone for Kenya as our nation continues to export world class talent beyond athletics and rugby into new global arenas. From producing champions on the track, warriors on the rugby field, and now trailblazers in American football. Kenya’s sporting story continues to break new grounds.”
“Your achievement proves that Kenyans excellence knows no limits,” Added H.E Salim while congratulating Joshua.
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Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are a professional American football team based in Philadelphia. The Eagles compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) East division. The team plays its home games at Lincoln Financial Field in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex
