The Best Foreign Born Players to Have Played in the NFL

Playing in the NFL is the American dream for many, with incredible atmospheres and a lifestyle like no other. Making it into the NFL is the ultimate goal for many football players at a young age, but only the best of the best will eventually get drafted. What makes the competition even more difficult is the volume of people trying to make it pro, including people travelling from abroad. While it isn’t too common to find football players traveling from anywhere outside of North America, there have been a few occasions where players have come over to fulfill their NFL dream.

So today, PlayStar, the home of slingo real money slot games, will be taking a look at the best foreign born players to have played in the NFL.

Osi Umenyiora

Coming from the UK with Nigerian descent, Osi Umeniora is one of the more successful foreign born players, joining the NFL in 2003. Despite being born and raised in London, Osi Umenyiora moved to the States at just the age of 14 to live with his sister in Alabama. During his time at Auburn High School, Umenyiora enjoyed two years of football before being offered a scholarship at Troy University with the Troy Trojans. 

In 2003, the Englishman was the 56th pick, selected by the New York Giants, a pick that they would not regret making. It only took the defensive end two years before he made a name for himself in the NFL, being named to the First Team All-Pro in 2005. In his first few years, he became a standout player, cementing himself as one of the best in his position. In fact, the role he played was so effective that in 2007, he assisted in taking the New York Giants to Super Bowl glory. 

Not only did he win just one Super Bowl, but he also won a second in 2011 with the New York Giants, seeing off the New England Patriots for a second time. Osi Umenyiora will go down in New York Giants history for his dedication and the levels of skill he brought to the team after he ended his career in 2014 with the Atlanta Falcons.

Sebastian Janikowski

Born in Poland, Janikowski moved to America at a young age due to his Polish father marrying an American woman after spending many years in the States rebuilding his professional soccer career. As a result of his father’s profession, Janikowski started his sporting journey as a soccer player, playing at a relatively high standard in high school, and achieving an international call up from Poland’s under 17s squad. 

As a result of the American influence in his family, he also began to balance his soccer career with playing football. He was noticed to have great potential as a placekicker due to the incredible strength in his legs, developed through soccer, resulting in being offered many college contracts, but he settled on Florida State University. After impressing with his 50+ yard field goals, he attracted the attention of some big NFL teams, including the Oakland Raiders, now known as the Las Vegas Raiders. 

He was picked in the first round of the 2000 draft, becoming the 17th overall pick, relatively unheard of for a kicker. Throughout his 17 years with the Raiders, he never managed to reach Super Bowl glory, but did find himself amongst the best in the world in 2011. He is now ranked second for the most 50+ yard field goals in NFL history, with 58, as well as an incredible field goal conversion percentage of around 80%. Despite not being American born, Janikowski will go down as one of the greatest kickers in American sports.

Christian Okoye

Born in Nigeria and referred to as the ‘Nigerian Nightmare,’ Christian Okoye changed the game with his blistering speed and strength, instilling fear into his opposition. Initially, football wasn’t on Okoye’s mind, as his athletic ability took full priority when it came to track and field. After moving to America, he was denied the opportunity to compete in track and field for Nigeria at the Olympics by the Nigerian government, resulting in him losing confidence in the sport. 

His friends encouraged him to try football at the age of 23, as a result of his quick sprint speed and larger build. Despite facing setbacks and wanting to quit the sport, his natural ability shone through, guiding him to the NFL in 1987. He was a second round pick for the Kansas City Chiefs as a running back. He completely changed the game with his immense speed and strength, dominating in his rookie year and sending shockwaves around the NFL. During his short six-year career, Okoye created a reputation as being one of the best running back players in American football.