Top 50 Asian NFL Players – Rising Stars & Legends in Professional Football

by karan — November 3, 2025 in NFL

The NFL isn’t just America’s game anymore – it’s a global stage where talent knows no borders.

As the league expands its international reach, one demographic quietly reshaping football’s landscape deserves spotlight: Asian NFL players.

From the roaring stadiums of Seoul to the sun-soaked fields of California, athletes with Asian heritage are proving that football excellence transcends geography and stereotypes.

In 2025, the conversation around diversity in professional sports has never been more relevant.

While debates about representation continue, Asian athletes are writing their own narratives—one touchdown, one tackle, one championship at a time.

This isn’t just about checking boxes. These players bring unique stories of cultural navigation, family expectations, and unwavering determination.

They’ve overcome doubts about their physical abilities, fought against typecasting, and earned respect through performance alone.

Whether you’re searching for “famous Asian NFL players” or wondering “are there any Asian players in the NFL?”—the answer is a resounding yes. And their impact extends far beyond the stat sheets.

Table of Contents

Asian NFL Players

This comprehensive guide explores 50 groundbreaking athletes who’ve made the NFL their home, from forgotten pioneers to current superstars dominating prime-time games.

The Historical Journey: When Asian Athletes First Entered the NFL

The story of Asian representation in professional football began almost a century ago.

Arthur Matsu, born in Glasgow, Scotland, became one of the earliest documented Asian players when he took the field as a quarterback from 1923 to 1928.

His presence during football’s formative years proves that Asian athletes have been part of the game since its inception.

Shortly after, Walter Achiu from Honolulu, Hawaii, played running back for two seasons (1927-1928), representing Polynesian heritage in professional football’s early days.

These pioneers faced environments vastly different from today’s NFL—fewer protections, minimal pay, and virtually no recognition for breaking racial barriers.

The first Asian NFL player to make a significant mainstream impact was Roman Gabriel, a Filipino-American quarterback whose career spanned 1962 to 1977.

Gabriel didn’t just participate; he dominated. His 1969 NFL MVP award shattered perceptions about what Asian-American quarterbacks could achieve.

Then came the modern era breakthrough in 1976 when John Lee, born in Seoul, South Korea, became the first Korean to play in the NFL as a placekicker for the Los Angeles Raiders. His entry opened doors for future generations of Korean athletes.

The 1990s and 2000s saw accelerated growth. Eugene Chung made history in 1992 as the first Asian-American offensive lineman selected in the first round of the NFL Draft – a watershed moment proving that Asian athletes could compete in football’s most physical positions.

Each decade brought new faces, new positions, and new possibilities.

Top 50 Asian NFL Players: The Complete Roster of Trailblazers

1. Hines Ward – The Gold Standard

When discussing famous Asian NFL players, all conversations start with Hines Ward.

Born in Seoul, South Korea, Ward became the most successful Asian player in NFL history.

The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver’s career statistics are legendary: 1,000 receptions, 12,083 receiving yards, and 85 touchdowns across 14 seasons.

His Super Bowl XL MVP performance remains iconic. Ward’s two championship rings (XL, XLIII) and four consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2001-2004) cemented his Hall of Fame credentials.

But Ward’s impact transcended football. He became a cultural ambassador, using his platform to address racism against mixed-race children in South Korea and establishing charitable foundations supporting underrepresented communities.

Career Highlights:

2× Super Bowl Champion
Super Bowl XL MVP
4× Pro Bowl Selection
3× Second-team All-Pro
Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team

2. Younghoe Koo – Redemption Story

The Atlanta Falcons kicker embodies perseverance.

After a disastrous 2017 rookie season where he became his team’s scapegoat, Younghoe Koo faced a crossroads. Instead of quitting, he joined the Atlanta Legends of the Alliance of American Football (AAF) in 2019, where he scored the league’s first-ever points.

When the AAF folded, the Falcons gave Koo a second chance. He seized it spectacularly.

In 2020, Koo co-led the NFL in scoring and earned his first Pro Bowl selection. His accuracy (90.9% on field goals in 2020) made him one of the league’s most reliable kickers. Among Asian NFL players 2025, Koo remains a consistent performer and fan favorite.

Career Highlights:

Pro Bowl (2020)
NFL Scoring Co-Leader (2020)
AAF’s First-Ever Points Scorer
90%+ Career Field Goal Percentage

3. Taylor Rapp – Rams Dynasty Contributor

Chinese-American safety Taylor Rapp represents the new generation of Asian NFL players Rams fans celebrate.

Drafted in the second round (2019) from Washington, Rapp immediately contributed to Los Angeles’s defensive schemes. His intelligence and tackling ability made him a three-year starter before winning Super Bowl LVI in 2022.

Rapp’s college accolades include Pac-12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and two First-team All-Pac-12 selections. His journey from college standout to Super Bowl champion showcases how Asian NFL players excel when given opportunities.

Career Highlights:

Super Bowl Champion (LVI)
2× First-team All-Pac-12
Pac-12 Championship Game MVP (2016)

4. Patrick Chung – Patriots Dynasty Cornerstone

Few Asian NFL players have dominated like Patrick Chung.

The Chinese-Jamaican safety spent 12 seasons primarily with the New England Patriots, winning three Super Bowl championships (XLIX, LI, LIII). His versatility allowed defensive coordinator Bill Belichick to deploy him in multiple coverage schemes.

Chung’s physical playing style and football IQ earned him spots on the Patriots All-2010s Team and All-Dynasty Team—rare honors reserved for franchise legends.

Career Highlights:

3× Super Bowl Champion
Patriots All-Dynasty Team
2× First-team All-Pac-10
12-Year NFL Career

5. Kyler Murray – Dynamic Dual-Threat

Has there been an Asian QB in the NFL? Yes, and Kyler Murray is redefining the position.

The Arizona Cardinals quarterback, whose mother is Korean, became the #1 overall pick in 2019 after winning the Heisman Trophy. Standing 5’10”, Murray faced doubts about his height translating to NFL success.

Those doubts evaporated quickly.

Murray earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2020, 2021). His combination of arm strength, mobility, and decision-making makes him one of the league’s most exciting quarterbacks.

Career Highlights:

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2019)
2× Pro Bowl Selection
Heisman Trophy Winner (2018)
#1 Overall NFL Draft Pick

6. Tedy Bruschi – Toughness Personified

Filipino-Italian linebacker Tedy Bruschi defined New England Patriots football for 13 seasons.

His career statistics—1,110 tackles, 30.5 sacks, 12 interceptions—tell only part of the story. Bruschi’s leadership, intelligence, and clutch performances in three Super Bowl victories (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) made him indispensable.

Perhaps most inspiring was his 2005 return from a stroke. Doctors advised retirement, but Bruschi rehabilitated and returned to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year—a testament to his warrior mentality.

Career Highlights:

3× Super Bowl Champion
NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2005)
2× Second-team All-Pro
Patriots Hall of Fame

7. Dat Nguyen – Vietnamese-American Pioneer

Dat Nguyen made history as the first Vietnamese-American recognized as an NFL All-Pro.

After his family fled Vietnam as refugees, Nguyen grew up in Texas and became a college football legend at Texas A&M. The Dallas Cowboys drafted him, where he played linebacker from 1999 to 2005.

His 2003 Second-team All-Pro selection broke barriers for Southeast Asian representation. Nguyen’s instincts and tackling ability earned him respect across the league.

Career Highlights:

Second-team All-Pro (2003)
Lombardi Award Winner (1998)
Chuck Bednarik Award Winner (1998)
Texas Sports Hall of Fame (2014)

8. Doug Baldwin – Russell Wilson’s Favorite Target

Part-Filipino wide receiver Doug Baldwin spent his entire eight-year career with the Seattle Seahawks (2011-2018).

Baldwin’s chemistry with quarterback Russell Wilson produced countless memorable moments, including a Super Bowl XLVIII championship. His 2015 season co-led the NFL in receiving touchdowns (14), and he earned consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2016, 2017).

Known for precise route-running and clutch performances, Baldwin retired as one of Seattle’s all-time great receivers.

Career Highlights:

Super Bowl Champion (XLVIII)
2× Pro Bowl Selection
NFL Receiving TDs Co-Leader (2015)

9. Roman Gabriel – The Original MVP

Filipino-American quarterback Roman Gabriel shattered stereotypes decades before modern diversity conversations.

Playing from 1962 to 1977, Gabriel won the 1969 NFL MVP award—an extraordinary achievement for an Asian-American quarterback in that era. He earned four Pro Bowl selections and led the league in passing yards (1973) and touchdowns twice (1969, 1973).

Gabriel’s success paved the way for future Asian quarterbacks, proving leadership at football’s most important position wasn’t limited by ethnicity.

Career Highlights:

NFL MVP (1969)
4× Pro Bowl Selection
2× NFL Passing Touchdowns Leader
NC State Wolfpack #18 Retired

10. Eugene Chung – First-Round Breakthrough

In 1992, Eugene Chung became the first Korean-American offensive lineman selected in the NFL Draft’s first round.

The Patriots drafted Chung 13th overall from Virginia Tech. While injuries limited his playing career, his selection represented a massive breakthrough—proving Asian athletes could compete in football’s most physical positions.

Chung’s first-round status opened doors for future Asian linemen and showed scouts that talent transcends stereotypes.

Career Highlights:

First Korean-American First-Round Pick
PFWA All-Rookie Team (1992)
First-team All-American (1991)

11-20: Rising Stars and Consistent Performers

11. Kalif Raymond (Detroit Lions, WR/PR) – Second-team All-Pro returner (2022) whose speed changes field position.
12. Will Demps (Multiple Teams, Safety) – Seven-year veteran with two First-team All-MWC selections.
13. Scott Fujita (Multiple Teams, LB) – Super Bowl XLIV champion known for social activism beyond football.
14. Timmy Chang (Multiple Teams, QB) – Hawaiian quarterback who set numerous college passing records at Hawaii.
15. John Lee (LA Raiders, K) – The first Korean NFL player (1976), opening doors for future generations.
16. Johnnie Morton (Multiple Teams, WR) – 12-year career featuring consistent production across three franchises.
17. Thomas Duarte (Multiple Teams, TE) – Versatile tight end who contributed to several rosters (2016-2019).
18. Chad Morton – Record-setter with two kickoff return touchdowns in one game (2002) and most receptions by a rookie in a playoff game (13).
19. Ben Leber (Multiple Teams, LB) – Ten-year starter who provided consistent linebacker play for three franchises.
20. Haruki Nakamura (Multiple Teams, Safety) – Japanese-American safety with All-Big East honors at Cincinnati.

21-30: Veterans Who Paved the Way

21. Eugene Amano (Tennessee Titans, C/G) – Filipino-American lineman who earned a starting role after years as backup (2004-2012).
22. Ed Wang (Multiple Teams, OT) – Chinese-American tackle whose parents competed for China in 1984 Olympics track and field.
23. Chris Gocong (Multiple Teams, LB) – Seven-year linebacker who provided depth and special teams excellence.
24. Darryl Kan – Early 1980s player whose career was shortened by injuries.
25. Sanjay Beach (Multiple Teams, WR) – Born at Clark Air Base, Philippines; played six NFL seasons (1988-1993).
26. Brandon Chillar (Multiple Teams, LB) – Super Bowl XLV champion with Green Bay Packers.
27. Marcus Demps (Detroit Lions, Safety) – Will Demps’ brother whose NFL impact was limited by injuries.
28. Kailee Wong (Multiple Teams, LB) – Chinese-American linebacker with First-team All-American honors at Stanford.
29. Ryan Santoso (Multiple Teams, K) – Indonesian-American kicker who won Super Bowl LVI with LA Rams.
30. Kevin Kaesviharn (Multiple Teams, Safety) – Nine-year veteran providing reliable secondary play.

31-40: Modern Era Contributors

31. Emmanuel Moody (Buffalo Bills, RB) – German-American running back.
32. Lloyd Lee (San Diego Chargers, Safety) – Found greater success as Chicago Bears defensive assistant coach for five seasons.
33. Neal Huynh – Vietnamese-American player who began NFL career in 2013.
34. Camryn Bynum (Minnesota Vikings, Safety) – Filipino-American safety currently making impact with Vikings.
35. Josh Jacobs (Multiple Teams, RB) – Filipino-African American running back who’s become one of NFL’s premier rushers.
36. Marcus Mariota (Multiple Teams, QB) – Hawaiian quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner selected #2 overall (2015).
37. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins, QB) – Led NFL in passer rating (2022); Polynesian Football Player of the Year.
38. Penei Sewell (Detroit Lions, OT) – Immediately became elite offensive lineman after 2021 draft selection.
39. Jordan Mailata (Philadelphia Eagles, OT) – Australian rugby convert who mastered football and became Pro Bowl-caliber tackle.
40. Kai Forbath (Multiple Teams, K) – Thai-German-American kicker; Lou Groza Award winner (2009).

41-50: Hall of Famers and Future Stars

41. Junior Seau (Multiple Teams, LB) – Samoan legend with 12 Pro Bowls, 6 First-team All-Pros; Pro Football Hall of Famer.
42. Nikko Remigio (Multiple Teams, WR) – Current player representing Asian NFL players 2025 generation.
43. Manumalo Jake Muasau (NY Giants, LB) – Played two seasons starting 2012.
44. Jeff Kemp (Multiple Teams, QB) – Eight-year quarterback career (1984-1991).
45. Troy Polamalu (Pittsburgh Steelers, Safety) – Samoan Hall of Famer; 2010 Defensive Player of Year; 8× Pro Bowl; revolutionized safety position.
46. Jackson He (Multiple Teams, RB) – Chinese-born running back (2016-2021).
47. Walter Achiu (Multiple Teams, RB) – Honolulu native who played in NFL’s early days (1927-1928).
48. Ahmad Masood – Emerging talent to watch among future Asian NFL players.
49. Arthur Matsu (Multiple Teams, QB) – One of earliest Asian players (1923-1928).
50. DaeSean Hamilton (Multiple Teams, WR) – Japanese-American receiver with two Second-team All-Big Ten honors.

Asian NFL Players 2025: Rising Stars Reshaping Perceptions

The current landscape shows remarkable growth.

Among active Asian NFL players 2025, several names stand out for their immediate impact and future potential:

Tua Tagovailoa continues evolving as Miami’s franchise quarterback. His 2022 NFL-leading passer rating (105.5) showcased elite accuracy and decision-making. Tagovailoa represents how Asian quarterbacks can thrive in modern NFL offenses.
Penei Sewell has quickly become one of football’s best young offensive tackles. The Detroit Lions’ 2021 first-round pick combines rare athleticism with technical refinement, providing elite protection for years to come.
Camryn Bynum emerged as Minnesota’s starting safety, showing range and ball skills that defensive coordinators covet. His Filipino heritage adds to the growing diversity in NFL secondaries.
Younghoe Koo remains among the league’s most accurate kickers, consistently delivering in high-pressure situations for Atlanta.
Josh Jacobs continues dominating as a featured running back, showcasing power and vision that make him one of the game’s most productive rushers.

These players aren’t just participating—they’re excelling at the highest level, earning Pro Bowls, All-Pro selections, and changing how scouts evaluate Asian talent.

Breaking the Stereotype: Why No Asian NFL Players Were Once the Narrative

The question “Why no Asian NFL players?” dominated sports conversations for decades.

Several factors contributed to limited representation:

Physical Stereotypes: Outdated beliefs suggested Asian athletes lacked the size, speed, or strength for professional football. These stereotypes ignored individual variation and potential.
Cultural Pressures: Many Asian families prioritize education and traditional career paths over sports. Football was seen as too risky—both physically and financially—compared to medicine, engineering, or business.
Limited Exposure: Asian communities had fewer youth football programs. Without early exposure and development, talented athletes never received proper training or scouting attention.
Position Bias: When Asian players did emerge, they were often typecast into specific positions—kickers, punters, or smaller skill positions—rather than being evaluated for all roles.
Sample Size Issues: Smaller Asian-American populations in traditional football regions meant fewer athletes entering the pipeline.

How Many Asian NFL Players Are There?

Currently, approximately 15-20 active players have Asian heritage across various ethnicities—East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Islander backgrounds.

While still a small percentage of the league’s roughly 1,700 active players, this represents significant progress from previous decades when Asian players were nearly invisible.

The trajectory points upward. Youth football participation among Asian-American communities continues to grow. High school programs in Asian-dense regions are producing college prospects. The pipeline is strengthening.

Best Asian NFL Players of All Time

Ranking the greatest Asian NFL players requires balancing longevity, accolades, and cultural impact:

Top 10 All-Time:

Hines Ward – Super Bowl MVP, 1,000+ receptions, cultural icon
Junior Seau – Hall of Famer, 12× Pro Bowl, defensive legend
Troy Polamalu – Hall of Famer, Defensive Player of the Year, 8× Pro Bowl
Roman Gabriel – NFL MVP (1969), broke quarterback barriers
Tedy Bruschi – 3× Super Bowl champion, ultimate warrior
Patrick Chung – 3× Super Bowl champion, Patriots dynasty contributor
Dat Nguyen – First Vietnamese-American All-Pro, refugee-to-star story
Doug Baldwin – Super Bowl champion, 2× Pro Bowl, Seahawks legend
Kyler Murray – Current star redefining Asian quarterback success
Younghoe Koo – Elite kicker representing modern Asian excellence

Asian NFL Players Rams: A Franchise Connection

The Los Angeles Rams have featured notable Asian talent throughout their history.

Taylor Rapp contributed three seasons to the Rams’ defense before their Super Bowl LVI victory. His safety play provided valuable depth during the championship run.

Ryan Santoso spent time with the Rams during their 2021-2022 championship season, earning a Super Bowl ring.

Historically, the franchise’s Los Angeles roots connected them to California’s diverse Asian-American communities, creating natural pipeline opportunities.

Is There a Korean NFL Player Today?

Absolutely—and they’re thriving.

Younghoe Koo leads Korean representation as Atlanta’s Pro Bowl kicker. His success story—from outcast to NFL star—inspires Korean-American youth.
Kyler Murray, whose mother is Korean, leads an NFL franchise as a starting quarterback. His dual heritage makes him a cultural bridge between the Korean and American football communities.

These players prove that the question shifted from “is there a Korean NFL player?” to “how many Korean NFL players will make Pro Bowls?”

Asian NFL Players: Statistical Comparison

Player	Position	Super Bowls	Pro Bowls	All-Pro	MVP/Major Awards
Hines Ward	WR	2	4	3 (2nd team)	Super Bowl XL MVP
Junior Seau	LB	0	12	6 (1st team)	NFL Man of the Year
Troy Polamalu	S	2	8	4 (1st team)	Defensive Player of the Year (2010)
Patrick Chung	S	3	0	0	None
Tedy Bruschi	LB	3	1	2 (2nd team)	Comeback Player (2005)
Roman Gabriel	QB	0	4	3	NFL MVP (1969)
Kyler Murray	QB	0	2	0	Offensive Rookie of the Year (2019)
Younghoe Koo	K	0	1	0	NFL Scoring Leader (2020)
Doug Baldwin	WR	1	2	0	NFL TD Leader (2015)
Dat Nguyen	LB	0	0	1 (2nd team)	Lombardi Award (1998)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any Asian players in the NFL?

Yes, approximately 15-20 players with Asian heritage currently compete in the NFL.

This includes East Asian (Chinese, Korean, Japanese), Southeast Asian (Filipino, Vietnamese), and Pacific Islander (Polynesian) backgrounds.

Players like Younghoe Koo, Tua Tagovailoa, Penei Sewell, and Camryn Bynum represent various Asian communities across multiple positions.

Has there been an Asian QB in the NFL?

Multiple Asian quarterbacks have succeeded in the NFL:

Roman Gabriel (Filipino-American) won the NFL MVP in 1969
Kyler Murray (Korean-American) earned back-to-back Pro Bowls
Marcus Mariota (Polynesian) was selected #2 overall in 2015
Tua Tagovailoa (Polynesian) led the NFL in passer rating in 2022

These players prove Asian quarterbacks can excel at football’s most demanding position.

How many Asian NFL players are there currently?

As of 2025, approximately 15-20 active players have Asian heritage across the league.

This includes starters, backups, and practice squad members representing East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Islander backgrounds.

The number fluctuates with roster changes throughout the season.

Why are there so few Asian NFL players?

Several historical factors contributed:

Cultural emphasis on education over professional sports
Physical stereotypes about size and athleticism
Limited youth football programs in Asian-American communities
Smaller demographic representation in traditional football regions
Position typecasting that limited opportunities

However, youth participation is increasing, and more Asian families now support athletic careers, suggesting future growth.

Who was the first Asian NFL player?

Arthur Matsu (1923-1928) and Walter Achiu (1927-1928) were among the earliest Asian players in professional football.

In the modern NFL era, Roman Gabriel (1962-1977) became the first Asian quarterback to achieve mainstream success, winning the NFL MVP in 1969. John Lee became the first Korean NFL player in 1976.

Which Asian NFL player has won the most championships?

Patrick Chung and Tedy Bruschi are tied with three Super Bowl championships each, both with the New England Patriots dynasty.

Hines Ward won two Super Bowls and earned MVP honors in Super Bowl XL, making him arguably the most decorated Asian NFL player, considering individual accolades.

Also Check: Biggest Blowouts in NFL History

Conclusion: The Future Burns Bright for Asian Representation

The evolution of Asian NFL players from invisible to indispensable tells a powerful story about perseverance, talent, and changing perceptions.

From Arthur Matsu in the 1920s to Tua Tagovailoa dominating in 2025, each generation has expanded possibilities.

What once seemed impossible—Asian quarterbacks leading franchises, linemen protecting blind sides, safeties winning Defensive Player of the Year—is now reality.

The best Asian NFL players didn’t just make rosters. They won championships, earned MVP awards, and revolutionized positions.

Hines Ward’s Super Bowl MVP. Troy Polamalu’s Hall of Fame induction. Junior Seau’s 12 Pro Bowls. These aren’t footnotes—they’re defining achievements in NFL history.

Today’s young Asian-American athletes see Kyler Murray commanding huddles and Younghoe Koo delivering game-winners.

They see Penei Sewell protecting quarterbacks and Camryn Bynum patrolling secondaries.

Representation matters because it transforms “impossible” into “when I make it.”

The question “Are there any Asian players in the NFL?” has evolved into “Which Asian player will be the next Hall of Famer?”

That shift represents decades of barrier-breaking, stereotype-shattering performance.

As youth football programs expand in Asian-American communities and cultural attitudes toward professional sports careers evolve, the pipeline will strengthen.

The 15-20 active Asian NFL players in 2025 could become 40-50 in the coming decades.

Football is finally becoming the global game it always claimed to be.

And Asian NFL players are writing themselves into that story—one championship, one Pro Bowl, one inspired young athlete at a time.

The future of Asian representation in the NFL isn’t just bright—it’s already happening.

Top 50 Asian NFL Players – Rising Stars & Legends in Professional Football

Asian NFL Players

The Historical Journey: When Asian Athletes First Entered the NFL