Who in the World are the Best Non-American NFL Players?

· Jul 02 - 5 minutes read

The NFL has become a global game as some of the top players are from all over the world.
Greece, Australia, Canada and Nigeria are just some of the places represented on our NFL list of international players.
Let’s take a look at the best NFL players from around the globe.

Who in the World are the Best Non-American NFL Players? — George Karlaftis #56 of the Kansas City Chiefs | Jeff Bottari/Getty Images/AFP

The NFL has become an increasingly global game with players in the league from all over the world. It is not just Americans checking in on the NFL betting odds every Sunday as the league’s popularity is also growing with international fans.

This is not by accident as the NFL continues to increase the number of games played on international soil. Over the next two decades, it will be worth watching to see if this prompts a spike in international players. It may never rival futbol in global popularity, but the NFL is increasing interest across the world.

Let’s take a look at some of the best international players in the NFL.

After opening its permanent space in Germany, the NFL now has international offices in:

🇩🇪 Düsseldorf
🇬🇧 London
🇲🇽 Mexico City
🇨🇦 Toronto
🇨🇳 Shanghai
🇦🇺 Sydney pic.twitter.com/asJy9E54mg

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) November 5, 2023

The NFL Has Gone International With These 7 Top Players

1. DE George Karlaftis, Chiefs (Greece)

It is hard to argue with the impressive resume that Kansas City Chiefs pass rusher George Karlaftis III has already built. The edge rusher is a two-time Super Bowl champ and a key member on those title teams.

Furious George was too turnt after securing his first double-digit sack season 😤 pic.twitter.com/j28ZSGksyk

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 3, 2024

Karlaftis is originally from Athens, Greece. At just 23 years old, Karlaftis has a chance to be one of the greatest international NFL players ever.

2. DE Danielle Hunter, Texans (Jamaica)

Four-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter is originally from Jamaica. Hunter played his first eight seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, and will play for another team for the first time in 2024 after joining the Houston Texans. With Minnesota, Hunter was on the right side of the NFL odds on plenty of occasions.

Hunter isn’t just a top international player, but one of the best pass rushers in the league. Hunter posted double-digit sacks in five seasons. The defender is coming off career-high numbers with 16.5 sacks and 83 tackles with Minnesota in 2023.

3. Punter Michael Dickson, Seahawks (Australia)

Yes, a kicker makes the list! Since Michael Dickson entered the NFL in 2018, there have been games where the specialist was the Seattle Seahawks’ best offensive player. New Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald is hoping that changes, but at least he has some insurance.

Michael Dickson with a 63 yard coffin corner punt that freaks the returner out so much he fair catches it pic.twitter.com/THWzMzpIw6

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) January 7, 2021

The Australian is one of several standout international kickers that has entered the league. Dickson is averaging 48 yards per punt over his career and posted 50 yards per punt for the first time in 2023.

4. WR Nelson Agholor, Ravens (Nigeria)

Wideout Nelson Agholor has been a polarizing player over his career. Yet, Agholor is entering his 10th NFL season.

The wideout, who was originally born in Nigeria, posted his best season with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020, posting 48 receptions for 896 yards and eight touchdowns.

5. DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Giants (Belize)

Rakeem Nunez-Roches gained notoriety on those Tom Brady-led TampaBay Buccaneers squads. Defensive tackles do not tend to get the same love as pass rushers but are vital to having a successful squad.

Nunez-Roches is a Super Bowl champ who started 42 games in his stints with the Chiefs, Bucs and Giants.

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6. WR Chase Claypool, Bills (Canada)

Chase Claypool makes this list based on talent alone, but he has somewhat underachieved based on the lofty expectations for the playmaker. Canada is one of the premier international producers of players for the United States. This is no surprise given the popularity of the CFL.

Claypool posted back-to-back seasons with 800 receiving yards in his first two NFL years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The wideout has been quiet since his early years, but here’s hoping he thrives alongside Josh Allen in Buffalo.

7. RB Chuba Hubbard, Panthers (Canada)

Back in 2019, Canadian running back Chuba Hubbard topped 2,000 rushing yards and added 21 touchdowns at Oklahoma State. Hubbard is coming off his best NFL season with the Panthers, posting 238 carries for 902 yards and five touchdowns in 2023.