Seven NFL stars who started their career in the Canadian Football League

Several NFL players have played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and left a significant impact on both leagues. Here are some of the top NFL players who had successful stints in the CFL:
- Warren Moon – After facing challenges breaking into the NFL due to racial bias against black quarterbacks, Moon signed with the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos in 1978. He became a legendary CFL quarterback, leading the Eskimos to five consecutive Grey Cup victories and earning numerous accolades before joining the NFL’s Houston Oilers, where he continued his Hall of Fame career.
- Doug Flutie – Flutie had a storied career in both the NFL and the CFL. He won three Grey Cups with the Calgary Stampeders and Toronto Argonauts before making a return to the NFL and having success with teams like the Buffalo Bills.
- Cameron Wake – Wake went undrafted in the NFL but found success in the CFL with the BC Lions. He became a dominant pass rusher and won the CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player Award twice. Wake later joined the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, where he continued to excel as a fearsome defensive end.
- Joe Theismann – Theismann had an impressive career as a quarterback in the CFL before moving on to the NFL. He won the CFL’s Most Outstanding Player Award in 1971 with the Toronto Argonauts and later won the Super Bowl with the Washington Redskins.
- Brandon Browner – Browner started his professional career in the CFL with the Calgary Stampeders, where he was a key defensive player. He then transitioned to the NFL and won Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seattle Seahawks.
- Jeff Garcia – Before making a name for himself in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers, Garcia played for the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL, where he was a standout quarterback and won two Grey Cups.
- Ricky Ray – Ray spent the majority of his career in the CFL, playing for the Edmonton Eskimos and the Toronto Argonauts. He won four Grey Cups and earned multiple awards, showcasing his talent as a premier quarterback.
These players demonstrate that success in the CFL doesn’t prevent athletes from making an impact in the NFL, and some have even gone on to become legends in both leagues.

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