The National Football League (NFL), arguably the biggest football league in the world, is filled with athletes whose biological roots are from all over the world. Asian football players are not left out as they have risen and made their mark. Some of these Asian players in the NFL made their mark playing roles such as cornerbacks, outside/middle linebackers, or wide receivers. This article will look at the top 50 Asian NFL players.
Top 50 Asian Football Players
The NFL is one of the biggest football leagues where you can find various players, but it still begs the question: are there any Asians in the NFL? Yes, there are Asians in NLF. There are Asian pro football players in the NFL.
1. Hines Ward
Hines Ward is one of the Asian pro football players in NFL. The wider receiver who hails from Seoul, South Korea, retired from the NFL with 1,000 receptions, 12,083 receiving yards, and 85 touchdowns.
Achievements:
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XL, XLIII)
- Super Bowl MVP (XL)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2002–2004)
- 4× Pro Bowl (2001–2004)
- Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team
- Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor
- Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame
- First-team All-SEC (1997)
- Second-team All-SEC (1996)
- Outback Bowl champion (1998)
2. Younghoe Koo
Another one of the Asian pro football players in NFL is Younghoe Koo who played as a Place kicker. He started his career in 2017 on a rough path where his coach used him as a scapegoat for the team’s woes. However, he didn’t give up. Instead, he played for the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football (AAF), and he scored the first points in league history. After the AAF suspended their operations, Asian American football player returned to the NFL with the Falcons in 2019.
Achievement:
- Pro Bowl (2020)
- NFL scoring co-leader (2020)
- First-team All-Sun Belt (2016)
3. Tedy Bruschi
Tedy Bruschi is an Asian American football player that has made a name in the NFL as one of the toughest linebackers ever. His career which began in 1996, ended in 2008. Throughout his career, Bruschi garnered 1,110 tackles, 30.5 sacks, 12 interceptions, and 11 forced fumbles
Achievements:
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2005)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2003, 2004)
- Pro Bowl (2004)
- New England Patriots All-2000s Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- Bill Willis Trophy (1995)
- Unanimous All-American (1995)
- Consensus All-American (1994)
- Second-team All-American (1993)
- Morris Trophy (1995)
- Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year (1995)
- 3× First-team All-Pac-10 (1993–1995)
- Arizona Wildcats No. 68 retired
4. Patrick Chung
Patrick Chung is a Chinese NFL safety who played his way into the New England Patriots All-2010s Team and New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team.
Achievements:
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XLIX, LI, LIII)
- New England Patriots All-2010s Team
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- Second-team All-American (2007)
- First-team Freshman All-American (2005)
- 2× First-team All-Pac-10 (2007, 2008)
5. Taylor Rapp
If there’s a list for the top chinese american football players, Taylor Rapp will surely be in it. He played college football at Washington, and was selected by the Rams in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Three years later, he won his first Super Bowl title.
Achievements:
- Super Bowl champion (LVI)
- Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2016)
- Second-team All-American (2018)
- 2× First-team All-Pac-12 (2017, 2018)
- Freshman All-American (2016)
- Pac-12 Championship Game MVP (2016)
6. Kyler Murray
Among the Asians in NFL, there are some Korean NFL players to look out for. One of these is Kyler Murray. The player whose mother is Korean, has made a name for himself as one of the biggest Korean NFL players in college football after winning the Heisman trophy. He got the #1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Achievement:
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2019)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2020, 2021)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2019)
- Heisman Trophy (2018)
- Davey O’Brien Award (2018)
- Manning Award (2018)
- AP College Football Player of the Year (2018)
- Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year (2018)
- First-team All-American (2018)
- First-team All-Big 12 (2018)
7. Dat Nguyen
Day Nguyen began his career as a rookie in his first year and later he became one of the most famous Asian football players ever. He is the first Vietnamese-American to be recognized as an All-Pro in the NFL.
Achievement:
- Second-team All-Pro (2003)
- All-Rookie Team (1999)
- Unanimous All-American (1998)
- Chuck Bednarik Award (1998)
- Lombardi Award (1998)
- Jack Lambert Trophy (1998)
- Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (1998)
- 2× First-team All-Big 12 (1997, 1998)
- Second-team All-Big 12 (1996)
- Second-team All-SWC (1995)
- Texas A&M Athletic Hall Of Fame (2004)
- Big 12 10th Anniversary Team (2005)
- Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame (2007)
- AP All-Time Big 12 Team (2010)
- Texas Sports Hall of Fame (2014)
8. Doug Baldwin
Birthplace: Gulf Breeze, Florida
Nationality: United States of America
Team: Seattle Seahawks
Position: Wide receiver
NFL Career: 2011 – 2018
Achievement:
- Super Bowl champion (XLVIII)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2016, 2017)
- NFL receiving touchdowns co-leader (2015)
- Second-team All-Pac-10 (2010)
9. Roman Gabriel
Birthplace: Wilmington, North Carolina
Nationality: United States of America
Position: Quarterback
NFL Career: 1962 – 1977
Achievement:
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1969)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1973)
- First-team All-Pro (1969)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1967, 1968)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1967–1969, 1973)
- NFL passing yards leader (1973)
- 2× NFL passing touchdowns leader (1969, 1973)
- Bert Bell Award (1969)
- 2× First-team All-American (1960, 1961)
- 2× ACC Player of the Year (1960, 1961)
- 2× First-team All-ACC (1960, 1961)
- NC State Wolfpack No. 18 retired
10. Eugene Chung
In 1992, Eugene Chung became the first, among the Asian American football players, to be chosen in the first round of the NFL draft. He was also the first one of the Asian American football players to be selected in the first round since 1962.
Achievement:
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1992)
- First-team All-American (1991)
11. Kalif Raymond
Birthplace: Lawrenceville, Georgia
Nationality: American
Team: Detroit Lions
Position: Wide receiver, punt returner
NFL Career: 2016 – present
Achievement: Second-team All-Pro (2022)
12. Will Demps
Birthplace: Charleston, South Carolina
Nationality: United States of America
Team: Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants
Position: Safety
NFL Career: 2002-2008
Achievement: 2× First-team All-MWC (2000, 2001)
13. Scott Fujita
Birthplace: Camarillo, California
Nationality: American
Team: New Orleans Saints, Cleveland Browns, Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys
Position: Linebacker
NFL Career: 2002 – 2012
Achievement:
- Super Bowl champion (XLIV)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2002)
14. Timmy Chang
Birthplace: Waipahu, Hawaii
Nationality: American
Team: Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles
Position: Quarterback
NFL Career: 2000 – 2008
Achievement:
- First-team All-WAC (2004)
- Second-team All-WAC (2002)
- WAC Freshman of the Year (2000)
- 2× Hawaii Bowl MVP (2003, 2004)
15. John Lee
John Lee started his career in 1976, and became the first Korean to play in the NFL.
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Nationality: American
Team: Los Angeles Raiders
Position: Placekicker
Achievement: Second-team All-Big Eight (1975)
16. Johnnie Morton
Birthplace: Torrance, California
Nationality: American
Team: San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions
Position: Wide receiver
NFL Career: 1994 – 2005
17. Thomas Duarte
Birthplace: Fullerton, California
Nationality: American
Team: Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons
Position: Tight End
NFL Career: 2016 – 2019
18. Chad Morton
The Asian Football player, Chad Morton’s career lasted for 6 years and while it lasted, he set records.
Achievements:
- Most kickoff return touchdowns in a single game: 2 (2002 vs Buffalo Bills)
- Longest overtime kickoff return for a touchdown: 96 (2002 vs Buffalo Bills)
- Most receptions in a playoff game by a rookie: 13 (2000)
- Most receptions in a playoff game: 13 (2000)
19. Ben Leber
Ben Leber is one Asian Football player that was consistently a starter and main contributor at strong side linebacker for his teams.
Birthplace: Council Bluffs, Iowa
Nationality: American
Team: St. Louis Rams, San Diego Chargers, Minnesota Vikings
Position: Outside Linebacker
NFL Career: 2002 – 2011
20. Haruki Nakamura
This Asian NFL player was a standout player at Cincinnati, earning All Big East honors.
Birthplace: Elyria, Ohio
Nationality: United States of America
Team: Carolina Panthers
Position: Safety
NFL Career: 2008 – 2013
21. Eugene Amano
Eugene Amano is one Asian NFL player that played for the Tennessee Titans from 2004 to 2013 as both a center and guard, primarily as a backup. In the later years, he finally earned a starting position.
Birthplace: Manila, Philippines
Nationality: Filipino
Team: Tennessee Titans
Position: Center, Guard
NFL Career: 2004−2012
22. Ed Wang
Ed Wang has made a name for himself as one of the best Asian Nfl players ever. This isn’t surprising as both his parents were notable track and field athletes for China at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Birthplace: Fairfax, Virginia
Nationality: American
Team: Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles
Position: Offensive Tackle
NFL Career: 2010 – 2013
23. Chris Gocong
Birthplace: Lancaster, California
Nationality: United States of America
Team: Cleveland Browns
Position: Linebacker
NFL Career: 2006 – 2012
24. Darryl Kan
Kan was one of the best asian nfl players in the early 80s, but suffered an injury and got stuck behind in his career.
25. Kailee Wong
Kailee Wong, one of the most skillful Chinese football players NFL, played college football at Stanford and was a first-team All-American as a senior.
Birthplace: Eugene, Oregon
Nationality: American
Team: Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans
Position: Linebacker
NFL Career: 1998 – 2006
26. Brandon Chillar
Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
Nationality: United States of America
Position: Linebacker
NFL Career: 2004 – 2010
Achievement: Super Bowl champion (XLV)
27. Marcus Demps
Marcus, just like his brother Will Demps, made the list for skilled Chinese American football players. However, due to injury, the player’s impact in the NFL wasn’t much.
Birthplace: Minot, North Dakota
Nationality: United States of America
Team: Detroit Lions
Position: Safety
28. Kevin Kaesviharn
Birthplace: Paramount, California
Nationality: American
Team: Green Bay Packers, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers
Position: Safety
NFL Career: 2001 – 2009
29. Ryan Santoso
Birthplace: Pace, Florida
Nationality: Indonesian-American
Team: Detroit Lions, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Rams
Position: Kicker
NFL Career: 2018 – 2022
Achievement: Super Bowl champion (LVI)
30. Sanjay Beach
Birthplace: Clark Air Base, Philippines
Nationality: United States of America
Position: Wide receiver
NFL Career: 1988 – 1993
31. Emmanuel Moody
Birthplace: Heidelberg, Germany
Nationality: German-American
Team: Buffalo Bills
Position: Running back
32. Lloyd Lee
Lee, one of the best Chinese football players Nfl, found his success in the NFL as a scout and a defensive assistant coach for the Chicago Bears for five seasons.
Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nationality: American
Team: San Diego Chargers
Position: Safety
NFL Career: 1998
33. Neal Huynh
Neal Huynh began his NFL Career in 2013.
34. Camryn Bynum
Nationality: Filipino American
Birthplace: Corona, California
NFL Position: Safety
35. Josh Jacobs
Nationality: Filipino American / African American
Birthplace: Tulsa, Oklahoma
NFL Position: Runningback
36. Marcus Mariota
Birthplace: Hawaii, United States
NFL Position: Quarterback
37. Tua Tagovailoa
Position: Quarterback
Years Active: 2020-Present
Teams: Miami Dolphins
Achievement:
- NFL Passer Rating Leader 2022
- Polynesian Football Player of the Year 2022
38. Penei Sewell
Position: Offensive Tackle
NFL Career: 2021- present
39. Jordan Mailata
Birthplace: New South Wales, Australia
Position: Offensive tackle
NFL Career: 2018 – present
40. Kai Forbath
Birthplace: Santa Monica, California
Position: Place Picker
Achievements:
- Lou Groza Award (2009)
- Consensus All-American (2009)
- Third-team All-American (2008)
- First-team All-Pac-10 (2009)
- 2× Second-team All-Pac-10 (2008, 2010)
41. Junior Seau
Position: Linebacker
Years Active: 1990-2009
Teams: San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots
Achievement:
- 6x First Team All Pro
- 12x Pro Bowl
- NFL Man of the Year
42. Troy Polamalu
Position: Safety
Years Active: 2003-2014
Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers
Achievement:
- 2x Super Bowl Champion
- Defensive Player of the Year 2010
- 4x First Team All Pro
- 8x Pro Bowl
43. Manumalo Jake Muasau
Manumalo, one of the Asians in the NFL, played for New York Giants as linebacker for two seasons starting in 2012.
44. Jeff Kemp
Birthplace: California, United States
Position: Quarterback
NFL Career: 1984 – 1991
45. Nikko Remigio
Birthplace: California, United States
Position: Wide Receiver
NFL Career: 2023 – Present
46. Jackson He
Birthplace: China
Position: Running Back
NFL Career: 2016-2021
47. Walter Achiu
Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii
Position: Running Back
NFL Career: 1927 – 1928
48. Ahmad Masood
Ahmad Masood is one Asian in Nfl to look out for in the future.
49. Arthur Matsu
Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland
Position: Quarterback
NFL Career: 1923 – 1928
50. DaeSean Hamilton
Nationality: Japan
Position: Wide Receiver
NFL Career: 2018 – Present
Achievement: Second-team All-Big Ten (2014, 2017)
Best Korean NFL Players According RantSports
Several famous asian football players have graced the NFL, and a number of these Asian NFL players have outstanding stats and achievements, especially those from Korea. Some of the best Korean NFL players are still in the game today, while others have hung their boots. Here are some of the best NFL Asian players from Korea, according to RantSports.
1. Hines Ward
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Nationality: United States of America
Position: Wide receiver
Achievements:
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XL, XLIII)
- Super Bowl MVP (XL)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2002–2004)
- 4× Pro Bowl (2001–2004)
- Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team
- Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor
- Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame
- First-team All-SEC (1997)
- Second-team All-SEC (1996)
- Outback Bowl champion (1998)
2. John Lee
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Nationality: American
Team: Los Angeles Raiders
Position: Placekicker
Achievement:
- Second-team All-Big Eight (1975)
3. Justin Yoon
Birthplace: Ohio, United States
Nationality: American
Position: Kicker
Achievements:
- ESPN Freshman All-American (2015)
- FWAA Freshman All-American (2015)
4. Younghoe Koo
Birthplace: Seoul, South Korea
Nationality: American
Team: Atlanta Falcons
Position: Placekicker
Achievements:
- Pro Bowl (2020)
- NFL scoring co-leader (2020)
- First-team All-Sun Belt (2016)
5. Kyler Murray
Birthplace: Bedford, Texas
Nationality: American
Team: Arizona Cardinals
Position: Quarterback
Achievements:
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2019)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2020, 2021)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2019)
- Heisman Trophy (2018)
- Davey O’Brien Award (2018)
- Manning Award (2018)
- AP College Football Player of the Year (2018)
- Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year (2018)
- First-team All-American (2018)
- First-team All-Big 12 (2018)
6. Eugene Chung
Birthplace: Prince George’s County, Maryland
Nationality: Korean-American
Team: New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles
Position: Tackle
NFL Career: 1992 – 2000
Achievements:
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1992)
- First-team All-American (1991)
Famous Asian NFL Player
- Hines Ward
- Younghoe Koo
- Patrick Chung
- Tedy Bruschi
- Kyler Murray
- Dat Nguyen
- John Lee
- Eugene Chung
- Roman Gabriel
- Scott Fujita
Author’s Conclusion
Most of the best players in NFL are from Europe or Africa. However, the few Asian football players NFL have made a name for themselves. Some of the Asian people in the NFL like Ahmad Masood are one of those NFL Asian players to look out for in 2024.
FAQ
Are there any Asian NFL players?
Yes, there are many Asian players in NFL. Some of them are Jeff Kemp, Nikko Remigio, Pending Sewell, etc.
Are there any Asian American football players?
Yes, many Asians in NFL have dual nationalities. Some of them are also Asian American football players.
Are there any Chinese NFL players?
Yes, there are Chinese NFL players.
Who are the best Asian football players?
All Asian football players are quite good at their sports, however, some of them are simply outstanding. Some of the most outstanding Asian players in the NFL are: Hines Ward, Younghoe Koo, Patrick Chung, Tedy Bruschi, etc.
Who is the most outstanding Asian in NFL?
The most outstanding of Asian NFL.players is Hines Ward.