Real Madrid legend Roberto Carlos stood on the hallowed turf of the Santiago Bernabéu on Sunday, April 26, 2026, to announce the Atlanta Falcons’ fourth-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft: linebacker Kendal Daniels from the University of Oklahoma.
The announcement came as part of a special collaboration between the Falcons and NFL España, with Carlos delivering the news live from Madrid in a moment that blended football royalty with American football’s newest prospect.
According to verified social media posts from the Falcons’ official Instagram account and multiple independent recordings, Carlos took the microphone at the Bernabéu to reveal that Daniels, wearing the number 134 overall pick, had been selected by Atlanta.
The announcement was made in both English and Spanish, with Carlos stating: “¡ROBERTO CARLOS ANUNCIÓ EL PICK Y ASÍ ES EL ELEGIDO! Desde el Bernabéu. Así de grande. La leyenda del Real Madrid tomó el micrófono desde Madrid para anunciar la selección número 134 de los Atlanta Falcons: el linebacker Kendal Daniels, de la Universidad de Oklahoma.”
Daniels, a standout linebacker for the Oklahoma Sooners, earned recognition for his defensive prowess during his collegiate career, culminating in this NFL Draft selection. The Falcons announced the pick as part of their ongoing international outreach efforts, which have included previous events featuring NFL figures at global football venues.
The event underscored the growing relationship between American football and European football (soccer) institutions, with Real Madrid serving as a symbolic bridge between the two sports. Carlos, who spent the majority of his legendary career at Real Madrid from 1996 to 2007, remains one of the most decorated left backs in football history.
NFL España has hosted similar events in the past, leveraging the global appeal of clubs like Real Madrid to promote American football in international markets. The Falcons’ decision to announce a draft pick from the Bernabéu continues this strategy of connecting with global audiences through iconic sports venues.
While the Falcons have not yet released official comments on Daniels’ expected role or contract details, the selection places him in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, a range typically reserved for developmental players with starting potential.
The announcement was met with enthusiasm from fans of both sports, with social media reactions highlighting the unique crossover moment. No official statements from the NFL, Real Madrid, or the Falcons’ front office have been published beyond the social media announcements as of this reporting.
Daniels will now join the Falcons’ offseason program as they prepare for the upcoming NFL season, with training camp scheduled to begin in late July 2026. His progression will be monitored as part of Atlanta’s efforts to build depth at the linebacker position.
For continued updates on Kendal Daniels’ development and the Atlanta Falcons’ offseason moves, fans are encouraged to follow the team’s official channels and trusted NFL news sources.
Share your thoughts on this unique draft announcement moment in the comments below, and let us recognize what you think Daniels could bring to the Falcons’ defense.
