The National Football League has had a number of players play for the teams that compete in the league over the years from a varying range of different backgrounds and cultures.
For many, the diversity that is experienced within the sport is one of the best things about the game, as it shows how inclusive it is and how incredible American Football can be, despite perhaps being rather limited to the North American continent.
Of course, the game has started to grow, though, with fans from across the Atlantic have begun to take a serious interest in the sport as a whole. However, it could also be argued that the NFL has experienced a surge in interest domestically, too, perhaps with thanks to the continued evolution of the US gambling scene.
Indeed, a number of states have decided to permit sports betting as a legal online activity within their borders, which a number of operators have since jumped on as they have started to offer punters the opportunity to wager on the NFL with some tasty promotions. For instance, there is a Unibet Arizona sports betting bonus for American Football fans residing in the state that bettors are able to utilize and enhance their own experiences.
Do you know who some of the most famous players and coaches to have come from Latin America are to have stepped foot on a football field? Let’s take a look at just some of the most famous faces to have pulled a uniform on:
Tony Gonzalez
Perhaps the most famous Latino to have ever competed in the NFL, Tony Gonzalez is also widely regarded amongst the football community as one of the greatest tight ends to have ever suited up and played on the gridiron.
A former Kansas City Chief, Gonzalez managed to claim a number of NFL records during his career including the total receiving yards (15,127) and receptions by a tight end (1,325), whilst he featured in 270 games and missed only two in a 17-year career that saw him be named a 14-time Pro Bowler.
Perhaps the only blot on his NFL record? The fact that he was unable to obtain a Super Bowl in his career.
After retiring from the game following the 2013 season, he made a successful transition into media as he became an analyst for Fox Sports, although the 2019 Hall of Fame inductee has recently departed to pursue other opportunities.
Ron Rivera
Ron Rivera is currently the coach of the Washington Commanders and whilst he has been able to do a reasonable job for the organization, many will know him for the Puerto Rican’s other exploits.
Some will remember that he was a member of the Chicago Bears for nine seasons, which included their famous adventure to the Super Bowl XX title, whilst others will remember him being the head coach of the Carolina Panthers when he had Cam Jordan as his franchise quarterback.
During his time at the Panthers, he managed to take them to Super Bowl 50, whilst also coaching them to four playoff appearances and winning the NFL Coach of the Year award twice in three years.
Rivera has also shown that he is a true battler as he managed to defeat cancer in January 2021 after being diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma.
Tony Romo
With Mexican ancestry through his paternal grandfather, Tony Romo is another former NFL star that has a Latino background. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterback has been considered one of the best players the franchise has had in that position once they disregard those that had won them the Super Bowl.
His records include passing touchdowns, passing yards, most games with at least 300 passing yards, and games with three or more touchdown passes, thus highlighting his reputation in the NFL.
Since retiring, it could be argued that his profile has increased further due to his role on CBS Sports as the color commentator is widely regarded as one of the best in the game due to his ability to pick out what play will be made prior to a snap being made.
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