Who have been the Canadian players to play in the NFL?

The NFL is the biggest sport in America, with most Americans said to have played American football at some point in their lives. It is claimed around 5.23 million were playing the sport in 2021, with the number having started to experience a steady increase for the first time since 2014.

The sport is even bigger in terms of the number of people that watch it, with the annual tradition having achieved another rise in terms of its viewing figures. Figures revealed that the 2023 Super Bowl was watched by over 115 million people in the US alone, making it the most-watched edition and the most popular TV program of all time in the country.

The NFL has also been a phenomenon in sports betting, with more and more continually wagering on the game to enhance their overall experiences. This has been seen worldwide, with those north of the game’s border also enjoying the sport as a betting activity through the availability of a Canada sportsbook bonus that can regularly be found.

Which Canadian players have played in the NFL?

There are approximately 30 players who are currently active on an NFL roster that come from Canada. Chase Claypool, Tevaughn Campbell, Nathan Shepherd, and Christian Covington are among these as perhaps the most famous Canadian citizens.

The all-time list of players to have made at least one appearance is far greater, with Nate Burleson among the most notable. He was an analyst on GMFB on the NFL Network, as well as being a studio analyst for CBS after his playing career was finished. He has also gone on to have success as a TV presenter.

Eddie Murray is another memorable Canadian to have had an impact on the NFL, as he was a kicker for a variety of teams throughout his career. He played 250 games and managed to score 1,594 points.

A total of 17 Canadians have been on a team’s roster for the Super Bowl over the years, with Laurent Duvernay-Tardif being the first-ever Francophone Canadian to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy when he was part of the Kansas City Chiefs team that defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020.

NFL’s appeal across Canada

It is often forgotten that American football is enjoyed in the country and is played by residents, as most will often think of ice hockey or curling as the main games due to their association as a national sport.

Canada has a rich affinity with the NFL and the game of American football, so it should come as no surprise that there is a love for the sport. The Canadian Football League (CFL) is evidence of this, as it follows the same premise of the sport but with some slightly alternative rules.

Therefore, it should be no surprise that there are a few Canadians who have gone south and have played professionally on the gridiron. Admittedly, they are few and far between, but there are some who can proudly say they managed to achieve this feat.