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The 10 Best NFL Players Who Weren’t Born In the United States

By Erik Lambert

Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) is introduced prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali (91) is introduced prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) breaks up a pass to Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper (81) in the second quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) breaks up a pass to Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper (81) in the second quarter during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The future of the NFL, like with other professional sports leagues lay with expanding its popularity around the world and thus its talent pool.

Where would the NHL be without the pioneering efforts of Slava Fetisov leaving the former Soviet Union to play in North America? The NBA might never be the same without the incredible efforts of Dirk Nowitzki and the MLB without Ichiro Suzuki. Bringing in great players from outside the United States is the best way to grow a sport from cottage industry into global success. It’s a big reason why the league continues to push for new teams in different countries.

That doesn’t mean the NFL hasn’t had its fair share of visitors from across the borders already. Several notable names currently active weren’t born in the U.S. Here are the 10 that fans might recognize the most.

#10:  Nelson Agholor

After watching him at USC before coming to the Philadelphia Eagles, it can be easy to not know that Agholor was actually born in Nigeria. The west African nation has produced some quality NFL talent in the past. Agholor, a former 1st round pick is hoping to live up to that. He improved modestly in 2016 with more catches, yards and touchdowns but still hasn’t produced a breakout years. All eyes are on this season to see if he can finally put it all together.

#9:  Patrick Chung

One of the unsung heroes for the New England Patriots over the past seven years. He helped them reach the Super Bowl in 2011, 2014 and 2016 and win two Lombardi trophies as part of their defense at safety. While not a star he’s been one of their chief blue collar guys. He’ll do the dirty work making tackles and helping others look good. That mentality was instilled in him thanks to his roots that go all the way back to Jamaica.

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