Football is very much America’s game, and very few international players – even those from its closest neighbour – get into the NFL, let alone for prolonged, impressive careers.
Still, Canada is among the few nations outside of the U.S. to boast Hall of Fame players, Pro Bowlers, and record-makers in the NFL history books.
Here’s a quick look at the best Canadians in NFL history, with more details on each pick further down.
Arnie Weinmeister (1948-1953)
Arnie Weinmeister was a destructive defensive tackle and a key piece to coach Steve Owen’s innovative umbrella defence, featuring a four-player secondary.
Playing in the All-America Football Conference and the NFL, Weinmeister’s professional career in the U.S. only spanned six years.
Still, with four first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl nods, as well as a strong reputation as a menacing player, the Saskatchewan native made it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Bronislau Nagurski (1930-1937, 1943)
Born in Rainy River, Ontario, “Bronko” Nagurski stands as one of the most decorated of the best Canadians in NFL history.
Playing exclusively for the Chicago Bears – a team that could do with a player of Nagurski’s presence while out at +4000 in the NFL odds to win the NFC North – he earned his legacy as a running back but also featured on the offensive line and at linebacker.
The hulking fullback would drag linemen on his rampaging rushes from the backfield, helping the Bears to secure the 1932 and 1933 championships, standing as the touchdowns leader in 1932, and returning in 1943 to help Chicago land its sixth title.
Eddie Murray (1980-2000)
The classic example of a top-class journeyman kicker in the NFL, Nova Scotian Eddie Murray was on the books of nine NFL teams by the time his career came to a close, spending the bulk of that time (11 years) with the Detroit Lions.
He ended his career with a 75.5 percentage from 466 field goal attempts, putting up 1,594 points, but more importantly, he earned a Super Bowl ring with the Dallas Cowboys in January 1994.
Murray nailed three field goals – one for 41-yards to open the scoring – and converted three PATs to secure Dallas’ triumph at Super Bowl XXVIII.
Eddie Murray with a special shoutout to @dallascowboys L.P. Ladouceur for breaking his record for most NFL games played by a Canadian. 🇨🇦🤗 pic.twitter.com/g8FvOWSEUt
— NFL Canada (@NFLCanada) December 20, 2020
Oshiomogho Atogwe (2005-2011)
Ontario native O.J. Atogwe once presented himself among the top safeties in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams. In 2007, he put up eight interceptions, 125 yards, a touchdown, 75 tackles, and 12 passes defended.
The following season, Atogwe put in another good shift, securing five interceptions, 85 tackles, and six forced fumbles.
While he continued to put up good tackle lines and force a few fumbles, injuries in the former third-round pick’s opening season with Washington would lead to the Canadian being released.
Mike Vanderjagt (1998-2006)
A controversial figure in the end, but Mike Vanderjagt’s legacy on the field only has one mark against it – his first missed field goal at home (a 46-yarder), which happened to come at a crucial time in the 2005 postseason.
Still, during 2003, the Oakville kicker nailed every single PAT and field goal during the regular season and playoffs, earning his sole Pro Bowl nod.
Vanderjagt’s 86.5 field goal percentage remains among NFL career leaders.
L.P. Ladouceur (2005-2020)
Long snappers may not get draped in glory and headlines, but L.P. Ladouceur’s consistency helped to anchor the Cowboys’ special teams for 16 years.
Born in Montréal, Ladouceur holds the records for the most consecutive games played at the position, for one team, and by a Canadian. He’s famed for never sending a poor snap.
Budding Star: Jevon Holland
While the B.C. native certainly hasn’t done enough yet to rank among the best Canadians in NFL history, Jevon Holland has already shown that he has the talent and drive to achieve big things in his career.
Last season, the 22-year-old’s rookie campaign, the safety secured two interceptions, ten passes defended, 2.5 sacks, and 69 combined tackles.
Now starting every game, Holland forced a fumble, made an interception, and landed 1.5 sacks through the opening batch of games.
While the Buffalo Bills are the obvious favourites to win the AFC East, Holland’s Miami Dolphins aren’t entirely out of the mix at +500 in the odds to take the division and +3000 for a shock Super Bowl victory.
Jevon Holland forces a strip sack! #FinsUp
— NFL (@NFL) September 25, 2022
📺: #BUFvsMIA on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/AgvEitKLgz pic.twitter.com/82xhn1RRyM
Those are the best Canadians in NFL history, with an additional inclusion who could, one day, join the ranks of these proven talents from the north.
*Credit for all images in this article belongs to AP Photo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 12th October 2022
