Kristjan Sokoli

Kristjan Sokoli (born September 24, 1991) is an Albanian-born former professional American football center. He was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL draft. He played college football at Buffalo.

Early life Sokoli's father, Gjon, fled from Shkodër, Albania to the United States seeking political asylum around the time of the Albanian Rebellion of 1997 when Kristjan was five years old. During the period of economic instability in Albania, Gjon worked in monetary exchange. When Gjon first arrived in the United States, he made $45 per day as a maintenance worker in an apartment complex, and lived in the complex's basement with other workers. He signed a National Letter of Intent to play at the University at Buffalo in early February of his senior year.

College career At Buffalo, Sokoli moved to the defensive line full-time. When he committed to Buffalo, he stood at 6'5" and weighed 220 pounds. By his junior year, he weighed 300 pounds. He credited this to a diet of 7,000 calories per day. He redshirted during his freshman year. By his junior year, he had become a starter on the line and was an integral part of a Buffalo pass rush which was led by future first-round draft pick linebacker Khalil Mack. Sokoli helped Buffalo to the 2013 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl that season, its second bowl appearance ever and first since the 2008 season.

Seattle Seahawks

Sokoli was not invited to the NFL Scouting Combine. He appeared in eight plays in the 2015 season, all on special teams in Week 16.

On August 30, 2016, Sokoli was waived by the Seahawks.

Indianapolis Colts On September 26, 2016, Sokoli was signed to the practice squad of the Indianapolis Colts as a defensive end. He was promoted to the active roster on December 19, 2016.

On June 15, 2017, Sokoli was waived by the Colts.

New Orleans Saints On July 25, 2017, Sokoli signed with the New Orleans Saints as an offensive lineman. He was waived on September 2, 2017, and was signed to the practice squad the next day. He was released on September 6, 2017.

New York Giants On December 27, 2017, Sokoli was signed to the New York Giants' practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Giants on January 1, 2018.

On August 11, 2018, Sokoli was placed on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL.

DC Defenders In October 2019, Sokoli was selected by the DC Defenders of the XFL in the open phase of the 2020 XFL draft. He was waived during final roster cuts on January 22, 2020.

Sokoli was assigned to the Alphas of The Spring League.

Potsdam Royals Sokoli was signed by the Potsdam Royals of the German Football League in 2021.

Houston Gamblers On March 10, 2022, Sokoli was drafted by the Houston Gamblers of the United States Football League. He was released on September 19, 2023.

Houston Roughnecks On January 8, 2025, Sokoli signed with the Houston Roughnecks of the United Football League (UFL). He was released on March 20, 2025.

Retirement On April 4, 2025, Sokoli officially announced his retirement from American football.

NFL career statistics

Regular season Year Team Games Tackles Interceptions Fumbles GP GS Comb Total Ast Sck PD Int Yds Avg Lng TDs FF FR 2015 SEA 1 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2016 IND 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Career 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0