The National Football League (NFL) has long been dominated by American-born players, but international talent continues to make an impact. Among foreign-born players, Jamaica ranks third in representation, following Canada and Germany.
Jamaicans have been part of the NFL for decades, with Craig Bingham being the first Jamaican-born player drafted into the league in 1982. Since then, more than 40 players born in Jamaica have played in the NFL, showcasing their athleticism and determination on the field.
Patrick Chung: A Super Bowl Champion
One of the most successful Jamaican-born players in NFL history is Patrick Chung. Born in Kingston, Chung played as a defensive back and was a key contributor to the New England Patriots’ defense. He won three Super Bowl rings during his career, cementing his legacy as one of the top Jamaican-born players in NFL history.
The Growth of International Players in the NFL
The NFL has made efforts to recruit more international players through initiatives like the International Player Pathway (IPP) program, which started in 2017. This program helps non-American players develop their skills and earn opportunities to play in the league.
While the NFL has the lowest percentage of foreign-born players among major North American sports leagues, Jamaica’s consistent presence in the league proves that the island continues to produce top-tier athletes.
List of Jamaican-Born Players in the NFL
Here is a list of all Jamaican-born players who have competed in the NFL:
- Danielle Hunter (DE, St. Catherine)
- Corey Ballentine (CB, Montego Bay)
- Matt Peart (OL, Kingston)
- Nevin Lawson (CB, Kingston)
- Patrick Chung (DB, Kingston)
- Orlando Franklin (RT, Kingston)
- Darrell Williams (T, Kingston)
- Kenrick Ellis (DL)
- Oniel Cousins (T)
- Trevardo Williams (OLB)
- Vaughn Martin (DT)
- Atari Bigby (DB)
- Jovan Haye (DE, Mandeville)
- Ryan McBean (DT, Kingston)
- Damion McIntosh (T, Kingston)
- Morlon Greenwood (LB, Kingston)
- Kwame Harris (T)
- Daren Stone (DB, St. James)
- Khreem Smith (DE, St. James)
- Omar Easy (FB, Spanish Town)
- Dwight Anderson (DB, Spanish Town)
- Roger Knight (LB, St. Ann’s)
- Andre King (WR, Kingston)
- Rohan Davey (QB, Clarendon)
- Dahrran Diedrick (RB, St. Anne’s)
- Ian Smart (RB, Kingston)
- Kevin McLeod (FB, Montego Bay)
- Omar Smith (C, Spanish Town)
- Floyd Wedderburn (G, Kingston)
- Lloyd Harrison (DB, Kingston)
- Fearon Wright (LB)
- Ricardo McDonald (LB, Kingston)
- Chris Hewitt (DB, Kingston)
- Andrew Greene (G, Kingston)
- Mark Campbell (DT)
- Sean Jones (DE, Kingston)
- Devon McDonald (OLB, Kingston)
- Chris Samuels (RB, Montego Bay)
- Devon Mitchell (DB, Kingston)
- Craig Bingham (LB, Kingston)
- Donovan Small (DB, Kingston)
- Dwight Bingham (DE, Kingston)
Jamaica continues to leave its mark on the NFL, producing talented players who excel at the highest level. As the league expands its global reach, more Jamaican-born athletes may find themselves playing professional football in the future.
Photos – Deposit Photos
