Manchester-born Menelik Watson has been selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Lawrence Okoye remained undrafted but later announced that he had signed with the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent.
The Olympic British basketball star and Chicago Bull's player Luol Deng is just one of many athletes who have taken to Twitter to express their delight that Menelik Watson and Laurence Okoye have made the transition to American football.
Menelik Watson, who has emerged as an unlikely new British star in American football, will embark on his professional career in Oakland.
As a record number of Brits enter the NFL draft, we take a look at the British players who have succeeded stateside over the years.
Discus thrower Lawrence Okoye has never played American football before, but is among three Brits who could turn pro by joining an NFL team.