The Cincinnati Bengals have signed former German Football League defensive back Abu Daramy-Swaray. Daramy-Swaray attended the Bengals rookie minicamp this past week on a tryout basis. The international veteran made the most of the audition and left the facility with his first NFL contract.
Photo via @AbuDaramySwaray Twitter
The 5’9″, 180-pound defensive back most recently played last season for the Potsdam Royals of the German Football League. He played in all 12 of the Royals‘ games, recording 39 tackles (34 solo), two interceptions and nine total passes defensed. As part of the Potsdam Royals semifinal run, the future Bengal also forced a fumble and blocked two kicks.
A versatile weapon for the Royals, the Columbus, Ohio native totalled 450 return yards and one touchdown. On offense, he also had three carries for 69 yards and two scores.
Kickoff Return Touchdown @AbuDaramySwaray
Unicorns vs. Royals 14-6#Royals2021 pic.twitter.com/iM32pV9zhP
— Potsdam Royals (@PotsdamRoyals) September 25, 2021
Daramy-Swaray, last played in the US in 2019 during his senior season at Colgate University (NCAA FCS). During his four seasons with the Raiders, he totalled 37 starts of a possible 44 games, earning All-American honors twice and all-conference recognition three consecutive seasons.
Statistically, he made 155 tackles, including 112 solo, 2.5 tackles-for-loss, five interceptions, 25 pass breakups, and two blocked kicks during his career. As a returner and occasional offensive weapon, he amassed 1,642 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns.
Abu Daramy-Swaray must know he is being featured by @Morgan_Uber at halftime because he is putting on a show for @ColgateFB! He goes 77 yards on this punt return for TD. #PLTop3 #SCTop10 @NCAA_FCS @WatchStadium @PatriotLeagueFB pic.twitter.com/IK5ME2PhQS
— Patriot League on ESPN (@PatriotLeagueTV) September 22, 2018
Abu Daramy-Swaray is the latest American import to make the jump from the European game to the NFL. Others including Dominique Martin, and Patrick Donahue have earned a chance at the NFL after using their time in Europe to work on their game. The Colgate and GFL standout will wear number 43 for the Bengals this season.
