American football is considered as one of the most lucrative sports in the world. However, it is hard to make it to the NFL, especially if you are not from the United States.
Nonetheless, there are exceptional players from all over the world that get drafted every year into the top teams. As the game continues gaining interest from all over the world, more and more people get interested in trying their luck. The continent of Africa has not been left behind in producing amazing talent that has gone on to make the cut in one of the most demanding leagues in the world. If you love American football, then you may want to consider looking at sites such as comeongames.com for details on how you can bet on your best team at one of the most popular legit casinos and sportsbook.
Here are some of the players who have proved that the continent has the ability to produce top talent.
Howard Simon Mwikuta
When it comes to Africans who have made their mark in the NFL, this is the first name that comes in mind. Howard Simon Mwikuta from Zambia was the first African to grace the NFL when he played for the Dallas Cowboys as a placekicker. However, he did not manage to cement his place in the team. After his stint with the Dallas Cowboys, he got involved in charity work and even got to meet the then US president Jimmy Carter. He died of a heart attack aged 46.
Chukwuma Okorafor
The offensive lineman from Nigeria was drafted 92nd for Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018. Born on August 8, 1997, Okarafor represented the Western Michigan college team from 2014 to 2017.
Ezekiel Ansah
The Ghanaian nicknamed Ziggy signed for Detroit Lions in 2013 despite having only started playing American Football in 2010. Initially, Ansah began his sporting life playing soccer and basketball before taking years learning how to play American Football. SF 49ers recently signed up the 31-year-old pass-rusher after his stint with the Seattle Seahawks.
Ade Aruna
Brought up in Akure Nigeria, Aruna signed for Minnesota Vikings in 2018. However, his career never really took off, but he now has a chance at redemption at the new Allegiant Stadium having signed for the Raiders.
Emmanuel Ogbah
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 17: Emmanuel Ogbah #90 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after blocking a pass attempt against the Denver Broncos in the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on October 17, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Ogbah from Lagos, Nigeria joins the list of African to have graced the NFL and even managed to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy with Kansas City Chiefs. Cleveland Browns drafted him in 2016 before joining Kansas City Chiefs in 2019. Born on November 6, 1993, he recently signed for Miami Dolphins where he hopes to continue his successful journey in the NFL.
Samson Ebukam
Nigeria has produced several successful NFL players with Samson Ebukam even taking part in a Super Bowl Game in 2018 for the Los Angeles Rams. While he managed an impressive four tackles, his team lost to New England Patriots. Born on May 9, 1995, the line-backer represented Eastern Washington in college football.