It used to be a rare sight. A guy from London or Melbourne or Vienna actually suiting up on a Sunday. Now? It’s basically the new normal. If you aren't paying attention to the growing list of foreign NFL players, you’re missing the biggest shift in pro football since the forward pass.
Honestly, the NFL is no longer just "America’s game." As of early 2026, about 3% of the league consists of foreign-born players. That sounds small, right? But when you consider that these guys are often anchoring offensive lines for Super Bowl contenders or hitting 50-yard game-winners, that 3% feels a whole lot bigger.
The International Pipeline is Exploding
The "International Player Pathway" (IPP) program is the real deal. It’s not just a PR stunt anymore. Just last month, in December 2025, the NFL announced the Class of 2026 for the IPP, featuring athletes from Australia, Nigeria, Germany, and even Kenya.
We’ve moved past the era where the only "foreign" players were kickers from Europe who played soccer. Now, we have monsters like Jordan Mailata.
Mailata is the gold standard. He’s the Australian rugby player who had never even worn a helmet before the Eagles took a flyer on him in the seventh round. Fast forward to now, and he’s an All-Pro left tackle protecting the blindside in Philadelphia. He’s living proof that elite athleticism can be translated into football IQ if you have the right coaching.
Who are the biggest names right now?
If you're looking for a definitive list of foreign NFL players making an impact in the 2025-2026 season, you have to start with the big guys upfront and work your way down to the specialists.
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- Penei Sewell (American Samoa): The Lions’ offensive tackle is arguably the best at his position in the world. Technically born in American Samoa, he’s part of a massive wave of Polynesian talent that has redefined the trenches.
- Bernhard Raimann (Austria): The Indianapolis Colts' left tackle. He actually served his mandatory six-month military service in Austria before coming to the U.S. to play at Central Michigan. He’s been a rock for the Colts throughout the 2025 season.
- George Karlaftis (Greece): "The Greek Freak" of the NFL. He’s a key part of the Kansas City Chiefs' pass rush. He didn't even start playing football until he moved to the States in eighth grade.
- Daniel Faalele (Australia): Standing 6-foot-8 and weighing over 370 pounds, the Ravens guard is literally the heaviest player in the league. He grew up in Melbourne playing basketball and rugby.
Canada: The Unofficial 51st State of Football
We can’t talk about international players without mentioning our neighbors to the north. Canada provides the largest chunk of the list of foreign NFL players—roughly 26% of all foreign-born athletes in the league.
It’s not just about proximity. It’s about the quality of the talent. Take Chuba Hubbard, for example. The Panthers' running back is from Sherwood Park, Alberta, and he’s been a consistent 1,000-yard threat. Then you have guys like Jevon Holland (Dolphins) and Chase Brown (Bengals), who are legitimate stars.
The interesting thing is that many Canadian players take the "college route," moving to the U.S. for high school or university ball. This makes them "international" by birth but "domestic" by training. It’s a nuance that often gets lost in the stats.
The Nigerian Connection and NFL Africa
Nigeria is currently the second-largest exporter of NFL talent. There are over 125 players of African descent in the league right now. Some were born there, like Efe Obada, whose story is honestly cinematic. He was trafficked from Nigeria to London as a child, ended up homeless, and didn't start playing football until he was 22. He's since spent years as a productive defensive end, most recently with the Washington Commanders.
The NFL is leaning hard into this. They’ve established "NFL Africa" and held camps in Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria. They know where the next generation of pass rushers is coming from. Kwity Paye (Colts), born in a refugee camp in Guinea to Liberian parents, is another prime example of the incredible, often difficult, journeys these players take to reach the league.
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Why Specialists Still Dominate the Conversation
While the "big guys" are taking over, we can’t ignore the specialists. Australia has basically cornered the market on punting.
If you see a punter booming a 60-yarder with a weird backspin, there’s a 90% chance he’s Australian. Michael Dickson (Seahawks) and Mitch Wishnowsky (49ers) changed the game by bringing Australian Rules Football kicking techniques to the NFL.
And then there's Charlie Smyth. The Irishman joined the New Orleans Saints in 2025 after playing Gaelic football. He made headlines this past season by nailing a 56-yard field goal in his debut. He’s the first Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) player to really stick on an NFL roster, and he probably won't be the last.
Breaking Down the Numbers (By Country)
While the league doesn't always make this data easy to find, here is how the global footprint looks for the current season:
- Canada: Leads the pack by a mile. Most are offensive linemen or defensive backs.
- Nigeria: Rapidly growing, especially in the linebacker and defensive end categories.
- Australia: Dominates punting and is starting to produce elite offensive tackles.
- Germany: A historical stronghold for the NFL in Europe, producing steady contributors like Jakob Johnson.
The Hard Truth About Going Pro from Overseas
It’s not all sunshine and massive contracts. The reality for the list of foreign NFL players is that the odds are stacked against them. If you're an IPP player, you’re often fighting for a 17th practice squad spot that is specifically reserved for international talent.
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You have to be twice as good to get half the attention because you lack the "football instincts" that American kids develop in Pop Warner. Scouts often worry about "projection"—can a rugby player learn to read a zone-blitz? Usually, the answer is no. But when the answer is yes, you get a Jordan Mailata.
The rule changes for the 2024 and 2025 seasons have helped. Every team now gets an extra practice squad spot for an international player. This has allowed teams to "stash" talent and let them develop for two or three years without the pressure of having to perform on day one.
What’s Next for the International NFL?
We are heading toward a world where every NFL team has at least three or four players born outside the U.S. The league is already looking at a potential expansion team in London or Madrid by the end of the decade.
If you want to track this yourself, start watching the International Player Pathway results every January. That’s where the raw talent is. Also, keep an eye on the college ranks; more and more European and Australian kids are getting scholarships directly to D1 schools, bypassing the IPP entirely.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Follow the IPP: Check the official NFL Football Operations site every December/January to see the new class of international recruits.
- Watch the "My Cause My Cleats" weeks: Many foreign players use this to highlight charities in their home countries, which is a great way to learn their backstories.
- Look at the Trenches: Don't just look for kickers. The next time you watch a game, check the birthplace of the offensive tackles. You’ll be surprised how many are from outside the States.
- Scout the CFL: If you’re a deep-cut football fan, the Canadian Football League remains the primary "waiting room" for international talent looking for a second chance in the NFL.
The game is changing. It's bigger, faster, and much more global than it was even five years ago. Whether it's a punter from Perth or a tackle from Vienna, the international era of the NFL is officially here to stay.