The NFL has players from all over the world. Between the International Player Pathway Program, Canadian players attending American schools, and the growth of the game there are all sorts of players in the league. Who are the five best Canadians in the NFL today?
Five Best Canadians in the NFL
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Jevon Holland, Safety Miami Dolphins
Holland had an injury-plagued season in 2023, but he was a key cog in the Miami Dolphins defense. The former second-round pick was named to the FSWA All-Rookie team in 2021, and was the clear-cut starter for the team in 2022 and coming into 2023. Holland is from Coquitlam, British Columbia and his father was a coach in the Canadian Football League. As a coach’s kid, he’s able to read the field effectively and has found himself in the right position 99% of the time, which is an NFL coach’s dream.
ABSOLUTELY WILD!!!! Jevon Holland with possibly the “PLAY OF THE YEAR!” A 99-yard Pick-6 with no time on the clock! Unbelievable finish to the 1st half between the #Dolphins & Jets! #FinsUp #TakeFlight pic.twitter.com/ZDiIuzvJAc
— Josh Moser (@TheMozKnowz) November 24, 2023
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Joshua Palmer, Wide Receiver Los Angeles Chargers
- The Los Angeles Chargers have needed a reliable number-two receiver for a few years. When Mike Williams or Keenan Allen were injured, Palmer filled in nicely. He was second on the team in receptions despite only playing ten games in 2023. 2024 is his last year under contract and the sky is the limit for where he could go moving forward. Palmer is originally from Brampton, Ontario. Speaking of Ontario, the best sportsbooks in Ontario are offering some exciting offers now.
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Sydney Brown, Safety Philadelphia Eagles
The box score scouts won’t love Brown’s rookie season, but he made an impressive impact for an extremely good defense as a rookie. His 45 combined tackles were 15th among rookies, but he did that in a rotational role in only 14 games. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in Week 18 and is working his way back for the 2024 season. Similar to Palmer, he’s from Ontario, Canada but moved to Florida in 2016.
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Chuba Hubbard, Running Back Carolina Panthers
The Panthers signed Miles Sanders expecting him to be the number-one option for the team in 2023. Instead, the Alberta prospect Chuba Hubbard led the team in rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and scrimmage yards. He’s not on anyone’s shortlist for the best running back in the league, but he’s definitely the best Canadian running back in the league right now. As the league moves away from the importance of the running back position, Hubbard is more than adequate as a back.
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Chase Brown, Running Back Cincinnati Bengals
Another player without gaudy box scores, but he was a reliable change of pace back for the Cincinnati Bengals. In limited touches, he averaged over four yards per attempt and 11 yards per reception. A lot of that was buoyed by his 54-yard reception against the Indianapolis Colts, but he has that homerun-type explosiveness in his repertoire. He’s also from Ontario, Canada (like his brother) and attended Illinois for college. He had over 1800 yards in his final year of college and could own the backfield for quarterback Joe Burrow and the Bengals when they move on from Mixon. Chase Brown is definitely one of the top Canadians in the NFL today.
There is a long history of Canadians in both college and the NFL with many notable names from the past. The relationship between the CFL and NFL has had its ups and downs, but clearly there is still plenty of mobility. We expect a few of these Canadians in the NFL to continue to excel in the league and have bright careers ahead.