In the last few years, there has been a spike in foreign players making it into the NFL. This proves multiple things. For one, the NFL as a brand, has arrived internationally. Secondly, American football is becoming more and more on par with international sports titan soccer. ESPN has an article by Ryan McGee that dissects the 2013 draft class and the abundance of international talent that was in this class alone.
I for one cannot wait to see how some of these players pan out. Especially the ones that have come in with little to no experience playing American football. These men have such raw talent that gives them the opportunity to explode if they end up with the skill set that coaching staffs will try to develop. The NFL is a great league and now, it is only going to get better with the international talent pool permeating the league.
All Pro Tight End Antonio Gates came into the NFL not playing football, but playing basketball at Kent State. International players are coming in and doing similar things. (Photo via Flickr/Marianne O’Leary)
It really is awesome that football is going global and I hope that Adongo guy can really flourish because thats what needs to happen for other countries to have interest. They need a player in the NFL that kids in that country aspire to be like.
This was quick and to the point. You informed me on what was happening even if I did not read the article. Really good!
Ooh! This sounds interesting. International players in the NFL? Love the diversity this will hopefully provide!
Now let’s see what happens when these players become running backs and wide receivers.