by The National Football League has always been a melting pot of talent, but one story often goes untold – the remarkable journey of Asian NFL players who’ve carved their names into American football history.
From the bright lights of Super Bowl stadiums to the grueling training camps, Asian athletes have proven that football knows no boundaries.
These players didn’t just make rosters; they shattered stereotypes, won championships, and inspired generations.
This isn’t just about statistics or touchdown counts. It’s about representation, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence against all odds.
Whether you’re wondering “are there any Asian players in the NFL?” or searching for stories of the first Asian NFL player, this comprehensive guide covers it all.
We’ll explore 50 groundbreaking athletes who’ve left their mark on professional football.
Their stories span decades—from pioneers in the 1920s to modern-day superstars dominating in 2025.
Each player faced unique challenges, yet they all share one common thread: an unwavering determination to succeed.
Top 50 Asian NFL Players
Let’s dive into the inspiring world of Asian representation in America’s most popular sport.
The Journey of Asian Representation in the NFL
The path for Asian athletes in professional football has never been easy.
For decades, stereotypes suggested that Asians lacked the physical tools needed for the NFL.
Height requirements, weight expectations, and speed benchmarks became invisible barriers. Many talented players were overlooked before they even got a chance.
But history tells a different story.
The first Asian NFL player stepped onto the field nearly a century ago, challenging these misconceptions.
Since then, every generation has produced athletes who refused to be defined by outdated beliefs.
Cultural expectations added another layer of complexity. In many Asian families, football wasn’t seen as a viable career path.
Education and traditional professions took priority. Players often had to convince their families that chasing an NFL dream was worth the risk.
Yet these obstacles created warriors, not victims.
Today, we’re witnessing a new era. Asian NFL players in 2025 are more visible than ever. They’re quarterbacks, linebackers, wide receivers, and kickers. They’re winning Super Bowls and earning Pro Bowl selections.
The question “Why no Asian NFL players?” has become obsolete. The real question now is: how can we celebrate their contributions more effectively?
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Top 50 Asian NFL Players Who Shaped the Game
1. Hines Ward
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Hines Ward remains the most decorated Asian NFL player in history.
The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver redefined what Asian athletes could achieve in professional football. His career stats speak volumes: 1,000 receptions, 12,083 receiving yards, and 85 touchdowns.
Ward’s crowning achievement came as Super Bowl XL MVP. He won two championships (XL, XLIII) and earned four consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2001-2004).
Beyond statistics, Ward became a cultural bridge. He used his platform to combat racism and promote Korean-American identity. His foundation still supports mixed-race children in South Korea today.
Key Achievements:
- 2× Super Bowl Champion
- Super Bowl XL MVP
- 4× Pro Bowl Selection
- Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team
- First-team All-SEC (1997)
2. Younghoe Koo
The Atlanta Falcons kicker proved that second chances matter.
Younghoe Koo’s NFL journey started rough. After a disappointing rookie season where he became a scapegoat, many counted him out. Instead of giving up, he joined the Atlanta Legends in the Alliance of American Football.
There, Koo made history by scoring the league’s first-ever points. When the AAF folded, the Falcons gave him another shot in 2019.
He’s never looked back.
In 2020, Koo led the NFL in scoring and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. His accuracy and clutch performance have made him one of the best Asian NFL players currently active.
Key Achievements:
- Pro Bowl (2020)
- NFL Scoring Co-Leader (2020)
- First-team All-Sun Belt (2016)
- First points scorer in AAF history
3. Taylor Rapp
Chinese-American safety Taylor Rapp represents the new generation of Asian NFL players.
Selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the 2019 NFL Draft’s second round, Rapp quickly established himself as a reliable defensive presence. His college career at Washington showcased his football IQ and physical abilities.
In 2022, Rapp achieved what every player dreams of—a Super Bowl championship with the Rams in LVI.
His journey proves that Asian NFL players Rams have contributed significantly to the franchise’s recent success.
Key Achievements:
- Super Bowl Champion (LVI)
- 2× First-team All-Pac-12 (2017, 2018)
- Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year (2016)
- Pac-12 Championship Game MVP (2016)
4. Patrick Chung
The Chinese-American safety built a dynasty in New England.
Patrick Chung’s 12-year career featured three Super Bowl championships with the Patriots (XLIX, LI, LIII). His versatility allowed him to play both safety positions and contribute on special teams.
Coaches loved his football intelligence. Teammates respected his toughness. Opponents feared his physical style.
Chung earned spots on the Patriots All-2010s Team and All-Dynasty Team—recognition that few players receive.
Key Achievements:
- 3× Super Bowl Champion
- New England Patriots All-Dynasty Team
- First-team All-Pac-10 (2007, 2008)
- Second-team All-American (2007)
5. Kyler Murray
Has there been an Asian QB in the NFL? Absolutely, and Kyler Murray stands as one of the most exciting.
The Arizona Cardinals quarterback, whose mother is Korean, took the NFL by storm. After winning the Heisman Trophy in 2018, Murray became the #1 overall pick in 2019.
His dual-threat abilities revolutionized the Cardinals’ offense. Murray’s speed, arm strength, and decision-making earned him two Pro Bowl selections in his first three seasons.
He’s proof that Asian quarterbacks can lead NFL franchises at the highest level.
Key Achievements:
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2019)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2020, 2021)
- Heisman Trophy (2018)
- AP College Football Player of the Year (2018)
- First-team All-American (2018)
6. Tedy Bruschi
Filipino-Italian linebacker Tedy Bruschi personified toughness for 13 NFL seasons.
All with the New England Patriots, Bruschi’s career included three Super Bowl championships (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX). His 1,110 tackles, 30.5 sacks, and 12 interceptions showcased his all-around excellence.
Perhaps most inspiring was his 2005 comeback after suffering a stroke. Bruschi returned that same season and won NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
His resilience made him a legendary figure among famous Asian NFL players.
Key Achievements:
- 3× Super Bowl Champion
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2005)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2003, 2004)
- Pro Bowl (2004)
- Patriots Hall of Fame
7. Dat Nguyen
The first Vietnamese-American recognized as an All-Pro in NFL history.
Dat Nguyen’s journey from refugee to NFL star embodies the American dream. After his family escaped Vietnam, Nguyen grew up in Texas and became a college football legend at Texas A&M.
The Dallas Cowboys selected him, where he played linebacker from 1999 to 2005. His instincts and tackling ability earned him Second-team All-Pro honors in 2003.
Nguyen paved the way for other Southeast Asian athletes to believe they belonged in professional football.
Key Achievements:
- Second-team All-Pro (2003)
- Unanimous All-American (1998)
- Chuck Bednarik Award (1998)
- Lombardi Award (1998)
- Texas Sports Hall of Fame (2014)
8. Doug Baldwin
Part-Filipino wide receiver Doug Baldwin became Russell Wilson’s most trusted target.
Playing his entire career with the Seattle Seahawks (2011-2018), Baldwin won Super Bowl XLVIII and earned two Pro Bowl selections. His 2015 season co-led the NFL in receiving touchdowns.
Baldwin’s precision route-running and clutch performances in big games made him one of the best Asian NFL players of his generation.
Key Achievements:
- Super Bowl Champion (XLVIII)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2016, 2017)
- NFL Receiving Touchdowns Co-Leader (2015)
- Second-team All-Pac-10 (2010)
9. Roman Gabriel
Filipino-American quarterback Roman Gabriel broke barriers in the 1960s and 70s.
Gabriel’s 16-year career featured two teams, but his best years came with the Los Angeles Rams. In 1969, he won NFL MVP—a remarkable achievement for any player, let alone an Asian-American quarterback in that era.
He led the league in passing yards (1973) and touchdowns twice (1969, 1973). Four Pro Bowl selections validated his excellence.
Gabriel proved decades ago that Asian quarterbacks could excel at football’s most demanding position.
Key Achievements:
- NFL MVP (1969)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1973)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1967-1969, 1973)
- 2× First-team All-American (1960, 1961)
- NC State Wolfpack No. 18 Retired
10. Eugene Chung
In 1992, Eugene Chung made history as the first Korean-American selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
The offensive tackle played for multiple teams over nine seasons. While injuries limited his playing time, Chung’s cultural significance cannot be overstated.
He opened doors for Korean NFL players who followed, including Younghoe Koo and others who now thrive in the league.
Key Achievements:
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1992)
- First-team All-American (1991)
- First Korean-American first-round NFL Draft pick
11. Kalif Raymond
Detroit Lions wide receiver and punt returner Kalif Raymond earned Second-team All-Pro honors in 2022.
His speed and reliability on special teams make him invaluable. Raymond’s career shows how Asian NFL players contribute in specialized roles that often determine game outcomes.
12. Will Demps
Safety Will Demps played seven NFL seasons with the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, and New York Giants.
His college career featured back-to-back First-team All-MWC selections (2000, 2001), showcasing the defensive skills that earned him an NFL opportunity.
13. Scott Fujita
Japanese-American linebacker Scott Fujita won Super Bowl XLIV with the New Orleans Saints.
Playing 11 NFL seasons, Fujita earned All-Rookie Team honors in 2002. Beyond football, he became known for social activism and supporting LGBTQ+ rights.
Key Achievements:
- Super Bowl Champion (XLIV)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2002)
14. Timmy Chang
Hawaiian quarterback Timmy Chang set numerous college records at the University of Hawaii.
Though his NFL career was brief, Chang’s impact on Asian-American quarterbacks’ visibility remains significant. He proved that players from Hawaii could compete at the highest levels.
Key Achievements:
- First-team All-WAC (2004)
- 2× Hawaii Bowl MVP (2003, 2004)
- WAC Freshman of the Year (2000)
15. John Lee
John Lee became the first Korean to play in the NFL when he joined the Los Angeles Raiders in 1976 as a placekicker.
His pioneering role paved the way for is there a Korean NFL player today? The answer is yes, and Lee deserves credit for opening that door.
16. Johnnie Morton
Wide receiver Johnnie Morton played 12 NFL seasons with the Detroit Lions, Kansas City Chiefs, and San Francisco 49ers.
His consistency and route-running made him a reliable target throughout his career.
17. Thomas Duarte
Tight end Thomas Duarte played for multiple NFL teams from 2016 to 2019, showcasing his versatility and blocking abilities.
18. Chad Morton
Chad Morton set multiple NFL records during his six-year career, including:
- Most kickoff return touchdowns in a single game: 2 (2002)
- Longest overtime kickoff return touchdown: 96 yards (2002)
- Most receptions in a playoff game by a rookie: 13 (2000)
His special teams excellence demonstrated how Asian NFL players excel in explosive, game-changing roles.
19. Ben Leber
Outside linebacker Ben Leber played 10 NFL seasons as a consistent starter for the St. Louis Rams, San Diego Chargers, and Minnesota Vikings.
His leadership and tackling ability made him a defensive captain on multiple teams.
20. Haruki Nakamura
Japanese-American safety Haruki Nakamura earned All-Big East honors at Cincinnati before playing six NFL seasons.
His time with the Carolina Panthers and other teams showcased his coverage skills and football intelligence.
21. Eugene Amano
Filipino-American Eugene Amano played center and guard for the Tennessee Titans from 2004 to 2012.
Initially a backup, Amano eventually earned starting positions through dedication and improved technique.
22. Ed Wang
Chinese-American offensive tackle Ed Wang’s parents competed for China in track and field at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
Wang played for the Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, and Philadelphia Eagles from 2010 to 2013, representing one of the best Asian NFL players with direct Chinese heritage.
23. Chris Gocong
Linebacker Chris Gocong played seven NFL seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns.
His college career featured dominant performances that translated to solid professional production.
24. Darryl Kan
One of the early Asian NFL players in the 1980s, Darryl Kan’s career was unfortunately shortened by injuries.
25. Sanjay Beach
Born at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, wide receiver Sanjay Beach played six NFL seasons from 1988 to 1993.
26. Brandon Chillar
Linebacker Brandon Chillar won Super Bowl XLV with the Green Bay Packers.
His championship ring adds him to the list of famous Asian NFL players who achieved the sport’s ultimate prize.
27. Marcus Demps
Like his brother Will Demps, Marcus played safety for the Detroit Lions, though injuries limited his NFL impact.
28. Kailee Wong
Chinese-American linebacker Kailee Wong played nine NFL seasons after earning First-team All-American honors at Stanford.
His college excellence with the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans proved that South Asian NFL players could compete physically at the highest level.
29. Ryan Santoso
Indonesian-American kicker Ryan Santoso won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022.
His journey through multiple teams showcased the perseverance required to succeed as an NFL kicker.
30. Kevin Kaesviharn
Safety Kevin Kaesviharn played nine NFL seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers.
His reliability in the secondary made him a valued veteran presence.
31. Emmanuel Moody
German-American running back Emmanuel Moody played for the Buffalo Bills.
32. Lloyd Lee
While Lloyd Lee’s playing career was brief, he found success as a defensive assistant coach with the Chicago Bears for five seasons.
His coaching career proves that Asian contributions to the NFL extend beyond playing.
33. Neal Huynh
Neal Huynh began his NFL journey in 2013, representing Vietnamese-American athletes in professional football.
34. Camryn Bynum
Filipino-American safety Camryn Bynum currently plays for the Minnesota Vikings.
His athletic coverage skills and ball-hawking abilities make him one of the rising Asian NFL players to watch in 2025.
35. Josh Jacobs
Filipino-African American running back Josh Jacobs has become one of the NFL’s premier rushers.
His powerful running style and consistency make him a cornerstone player for his franchise.
36. Marcus Mariota
Hawaiian quarterback Marcus Mariota won the Heisman Trophy before being selected second overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.
His mobility and leadership have defined his career with multiple teams, proving Asian quarterbacks can lead NFL offenses successfully.
37. Tua Tagovailoa
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa led the NFL in passer rating in 2022.
The Polynesian quarterback’s accuracy and quick release make him one of the game’s most efficient passers. His 2022 Polynesian Football Player of the Year award celebrates his cultural heritage and on-field excellence.
Key Achievements:
- NFL Passer Rating Leader (2022)
- Polynesian Football Player of the Year (2022)
38. Penei Sewell
Offensive tackle Penei Sewell, drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2021, immediately became one of the NFL’s best young linemen.
His combination of size, athleticism, and technique makes him a foundational piece for Detroit’s future.
39. Jordan Mailata
Australian offensive tackle Jordan Mailata’s story is legendary.
A former rugby player with zero football experience, Mailata learned the game from scratch after the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him. Today, he’s one of the NFL’s premier left tackles.
His journey shows how Asian NFL players (including those from the Pacific region) can succeed through raw talent and dedication.
40. Kai Forbath
Thai-German-American placekicker Kai Forbath won the Lou Groza Award in 2009.
His NFL career featured accurate field goal kicking for multiple franchises.
Key Achievements:
- Lou Groza Award (2009)
- Consensus All-American (2009)
- First-team All-Pac-10 (2009)
41. Junior Seau
Samoan linebacker Junior Seau is a Pro Football Hall of Famer who played 20 NFL seasons.
His 12 Pro Bowl selections and 6 First-team All-Pro honors make him arguably the greatest Polynesian player in NFL history.
Key Achievements:
- 12× Pro Bowl
- 6× First-team All-Pro
- NFL Man of the Year
- Pro Football Hall of Fame
42. Nikko Remigio
California-born wide receiver Nikko Remigio joined the NFL in 2023.
He represents the newest generation of Asian NFL players 2025 making their mark.
43. Manumalo Jake Muasau
Linebacker Manumalo Jake Muasau played two seasons with the New York Giants starting in 2012.
44. Jeff Kemp
Quarterback Jeff Kemp played eight NFL seasons from 1984 to 1991.
His career spanned multiple teams during an era when Asian quarterbacks were extremely rare.
45. Troy Polamalu
Samoan safety Troy Polamalu is a Pro Football Hall of Famer who revolutionized the safety position.
His two Super Bowl championships, Defensive Player of the Year award (2010), and eight Pro Bowl selections cement his legacy as one of football’s all-time greats.
Key Achievements:
- 2× Super Bowl Champion
- Defensive Player of the Year (2010)
- 4× First-team All-Pro
- 8× Pro Bowl
- Pro Football Hall of Fame
46. Jackson He
Chinese running back Jackson He played from 2016 to 2021, representing direct Chinese heritage in the NFL.
47. Walter Achiu
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Walter Achiu played running back in 1927-1928.
He was one of the earliest Asian players in professional football history.
48. Ahmad Masood
Ahmad Masood represents the future generation of Asian NFL players.
Scouts project him as a player to watch in the upcoming seasons.
49. Arthur Matsu
Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Arthur Matsu played quarterback from 1923 to 1928.
His early career shows that Asian representation in the NFL dates back nearly 100 years.
50. DaeSean Hamilton
Japanese-American wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton has played since 2018.
His Second-team All-Big Ten honors (2014, 2017) showcased the college production that earned him an NFL opportunity.
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Best Korean NFL Players: A Closer Look
Korean representation in the NFL deserves special recognition.
From pioneers like John Lee to modern stars like Younghoe Koo, Korean NFL players have made unique contributions. Their stories often involve navigating two cultures while pursuing American football excellence.
Top Korean NFL Players:
- Hines Ward – The gold standard for Korean NFL players
- Younghoe Koo – Current star kicker for the Atlanta Falcons
- Kyler Murray – Half-Korean quarterback leading an NFL franchise
- Eugene Chung – First Korean-American first-round draft pick
- John Lee – The pioneer who opened doors in 1976
- Justin Yoon – Emerging kicker with strong potential
These players prove that when asking “is there a Korean NFL player?” the answer isn’t just yes—it’s yes, and they’re thriving.
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Notable South Asian NFL Players
While South Asian representation remains limited, players with Indian, Pakistani, and other South Asian heritages have competed professionally.
The pipeline is growing. More South Asian youth are playing football at the youth and college levels, suggesting future NFL representation will increase.
Current South Asian NFL players face unique challenges, including overcoming stereotypes about body types and athletic abilities.
But like other Asian players before them, they’re proving that talent transcends background.
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How Many Asian NFL Players Are There?
Exact numbers fluctuate as rosters change, but Asian representation in the NFL has grown significantly.
In 2025, approximately 15-20 players with Asian heritage will actively play in the NFL. This includes East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Islander athletes.
While still a small percentage of the league, this represents significant progress from decades past when Asian NFL players were nearly invisible.
Youth participation in football among Asian-American communities continues to rise.
Pop Warner leagues and high school programs in Asian-American communities are producing more talent than ever.
The question “why no Asian NFL players?” has transformed into “how can we support more Asian NFL players?”
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Why are there so few Asian NFL players?
Several factors contribute to limited Asian representation:
- Cultural emphasis on education over sports in many Asian families
- Historical stereotypes about physical abilities
- Smaller player pools compared to other demographics
- Later adoption of football in Asian-American communities
However, trends are changing. Youth participation increases annually, and more Asian families support athletic careers.
- Has there been an Asian QB in the NFL?
Yes, multiple Asian quarterbacks have played in the NFL:
- Roman Gabriel (Filipino-American) – NFL MVP in 1969
- Kyler Murray (Korean-American) – Current Cardinals starter
- Marcus Mariota (Polynesian) – Former top draft pick
- Tua Tagovailoa (Polynesian) – Current Dolphins starter
These players prove Asian quarterbacks can excel at football’s most demanding position.
- How many Asian NFL players are there currently?
Approximately 15-20 players with Asian heritage actively compete in the NFL as of 2025. This includes various positions across multiple teams.
The number continues growing as more Asian-American youth pursue football careers.
- Who was the first Asian NFL player?
Arthur Matsu, who played from 1923-1928, was among the earliest Asian players in professional football.
In terms of modern NFL history, players like Walter Achiu (1927-1928) and later Roman Gabriel (1962-1977) pioneered Asian representation.
- Are there any Asian players in the NFL right now?
Yes, several Asian NFL players are currently active, including:
- Younghoe Koo (Falcons kicker)
- Camryn Bynum (Vikings safety)
- Josh Jacobs (running back)
- Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins quarterback)
- Penei Sewell (Lions offensive tackle)
These players represent the current generation of Asian excellence in professional football.
Conclusion: The Future of Asian Representation in the NFL
The story of Asian NFL players isn’t finished—it’s just beginning.
From Arthur Matsu in the 1920s to Younghoe Koo dominating in 2025, each generation has pushed boundaries further.
These athletes didn’t just play football; they changed perceptions about who belongs on the field.
Today’s young Asian-American athletes see role models who look like them succeeding at the highest level.
Hines Ward winning Super Bowl MVP. Kyler Murray is leading an NFL franchise as a quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa is breaking passing records.
These aren’t token stories. They’re proof that talent transcends background.
The NFL is finally recognizing this diversity as a strength.
Teams actively scout players regardless of ethnicity, focusing purely on ability. Youth programs in Asian-American communities are expanding rapidly.
The question is no longer “why no Asian NFL players?” but rather “which Asian player will become the next Hall of Famer?”
As the league continues to globalize, Asian representation will only grow. Future generations will look back at these pioneers with gratitude—the players who proved it was possible.
The best Asian NFL players didn’t just make rosters. They made history.
And their legacy continues inspiring the next wave of talent preparing to write their own chapters in NFL history.
