The 10 Best Canadians to ever play in the NFL

The NFL is known for its glamor and sporting heroics, but not all of the star players hail from the United States. 

The NFL may be predominantly filled by American stars, but there are plenty of players who have shined and hail from Canada.

Some players have hung up their cleats already and are long since retired, but a few of them are still competing in the NFL today. So, let's take a look at some of the best Canadian football players to grace the NFL.

Bronko Nagurski

Bronislau "Bronko" Nagurski was a fullback and offensive tackle during his playing days, and he hailed from Rainy River, Ontario.

As well as dominating the NFL, he was a professional heavyweight wrestler. He enjoyed a nine-year career as a fullback for the Chicago Bears, scoring 25 touchdowns. He took a break to focus on wrestling but returned in 1943 at the age of 35. 

His No.3 jersey was retired, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his achievements.

Mike Vanderjagt

Vanderjagt started his career on home soil with the Saskatchewan Roughriders before moving to the NFL in 1998 as part of the Indianapolis Colts roster.

Over his career, the kicker made over 85 per-cent of his field-goal attempts, and he only missed two extra points in his entire career. 

He once set the record of consecutive field goals, only for that record to be broken by Adam Vinatieri. 

Vanderjagt never won the NFL Championship, but he is still widely regarded as one of the best kickers of all time.

Austin Collie

Collie was also a member of the Indianapolis Colts team, wearing the famous white and blue between 2009 and 2012. He also represented the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots during a successful NFL career.

He played alongside quarterback Peyton Manning, and in his second season, he made 118 catches for 15 touchdowns. 

Sadly, injuries derailed his progress, but he still has a place on our list after a whirlwind few years.

L. P. Ladouceur

The Montreal native started his career as a long snapper with the New Orleans Saints in 2005 before moving to the Dallas Cowboys. 

During his 16 seasons in Dallas, he did not miss a game, playing 253 times, and he holds the records for most games played by a Canadian, most consecutive games played by a snapper and most consecutive games played for one team by a special team's player.

Eddie Murray

Murray was snapped up in the 1980 NFL Draft, and he topped the scoring charts in 10 of his 11 years with the Detroit Lions as a kicker. 

He held the record for a 54-yard field goal and the most consecutive field goal successes (12).

He was named the league's MVP in his rookie campaign, and he won the NFL Championship in 1994.

Chase Claypool

Having started his NFL career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Claypool is now on the roster of the Chicago Bears.

After a rough end to his career in Pittsburgh, Claypool will hope to bounce back this season and use his speed to cause defenses problems, with Justin Fields expected to target him on a regular basis. 

Jevon Holland

Holland is arguably the best Canadian in the NFL at present, and he is also one of the best free safeties. 

He has only missed three games since entering the league two seasons ago, and he has five interceptions to his name in that time. 

Once Jalen Ramsey returns to full fitness, they are expected to dominate in the Miami Dolphins secondary.

Chuba Hubbard

Running-back Hubbard is in his third season with the Carolina Panthers, and his durability remains one of his best assets.

During his first two seasons, Hubbard has run for over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns, and he will partner Miles Sanders in the backfield this season.

He is unlikely to start but will still play a big role this season for Carolina's new-look offense. 

John Metchie

Metchie came out of college with a big reputation, and he made some big plays during his three-year stay at Alabama. 

His rookie season never materialized with the Houston Texans after he was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia. 

Thankfully, he has recovered, and could play a big role for the Texans this time around.

Josh Palmer

Palmer plays alongside Justin Herbert at the Los Angeles Chargers, and he has become one of his favorite targets in recent years. 

During his first two seasons with the Chargers, he has scored 7 touchdowns, and more is expected of him in 2023.