As the first Albanian-born player drafted into the National Football League, Kristjan Sokoli made history with his selection by the Seattle Seahawks in the sixth round, 214th overall, in 2015. This pivotal moment followed a formidable collegiate career at the University at Buffalo, where Sokoli transitioned to playing defensive line full-time and rapidly ascended to a starter role by his junior year. While at Buffalo, he notably played alongside future NFL first-round draft pick Khalil Mack, contributing significantly to the team’s 2013 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl appearance – a landmark event as the program’s second bowl game and its first since 2008. Sokoli concluded his impactful collegiate tenure playing in the 2015 Medal of Honor Bowl, having also pursued a major in Business Administration.

In 2020, he brought his extensive experience and leadership to the DC Defenders in the newly relaunched XFL. Expanding his reach internationally, Sokoli then played for the Potsdam Royals in the German Football League in 2021, showcasing his global versatility and unwavering commitment to the sport, while adapting to new team dynamics and competitive environments. His professional football career continued stateside in subsequent years, featuring a significant tenure with the Houston Gamblers in the USFL from 2022 to 2023, where he further solidified his reputation as a formidable presence on the field. Most recently, Sokoli has continued his enduring professional football journey by joining the Houston Roughnecks in the UFL in 2025, consistently proving his value and adaptability across multiple top-tier professional football leagues.