From Bronko Nugurski to Nate Burleson, there have been some fine Canadian footballers that have headed south and lent their skills to the NFL over the years.
Intriguingly, the class of 2024-25 is shaping up to be particularly strong too from a Canadian standpoint, with a few guys even in the hunt for a possible runout in the Super Bowl come February.
So here’s a handful of Canadians to keep a close eye on this NFL season:
John Metchie III
Although injury prevented John Metchie III from lining up for the Houston Texans in the opening weeks of the 2024-25 season, his gametime during the prior campaign confirms that the Canadian is an important part of the Texan’s roster.
And what an inspiring story his is, too. Metchie was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2022, forcing him to miss the entirety of his rookie year. To battle back and play a key role for Houston in 2023 is testament to his remarkable resilience.
Those browsing sports betting Canada will have noticed that the Texans are being considered a strong contender for Super Bowl LIX, behind only the Chiefs, Eagles, and 49ers in the odds provided by the leading sportsbooks in the country, such as Sports Interaction and BetVictor.
Could Metchie III’s incredible story culminate in an appearance at the Big Game?
Overcoming adversity.
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) January 4, 2024
John Metchie III is our Ed Block Courage Award winner 🤘 pic.twitter.com/QiVaTYdwX2
Jevon Holland
There’s a case to be made that Jevon Holland is the most valuable Canadian footballer on the planet right now.
The Miami Dolphins safety is a key component in his team’s defensive line, and his outstanding ‘football I.Q.’ ensures that Holland continues to post excellent numbers in terms of interceptions, sacks, and tackles made.
Chuba Hubbard
With a fine college career to his name, big things were expected of Chuba Hubbard when he was drafted by the Carolina Panthers.
It took the Canadian a while to adjust to life in the NFL, but his form during the 2023 season suggests he’s cracked the code.
Hubbard ran in more than 1,100 rushing and receiving yards combined in his breakout campaign, while also contributing five touchdowns to Carolina’s cause.
He’ll be looking to build on those impressive numbers in 2024-25.
Josh Palmer
Although he finds himself down the depth chart of receivers with the Los Angeles Chargers, Josh Palmer has routinely delivered when called upon.
He only made six starts and eleven appearances in all during the 2023 season, but still recorded 581 yards from just 38 receptions – an average of 15.2 yards per take – and ran in two touchdowns.
With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams traded away, Palmer will have the chance to establish himself as the Chargers’ premier wide receiver this term.
Joshua Palmer scores a 79-yard TD to cut the lead down to 42#LACvsLV on Prime Video
— NFL (@NFL) December 15, 2023
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/ga7O4RMwdt pic.twitter.com/RapvkLoVxz
Benjamin St-Juste
The 2023 season produced career highs in many statistical areas for Benjamin St-Juste; proof positive that his game is getting better and better.
The cornerback produced more tackles, both solo and assisted, last term, forced more fumbles, and delivered his maiden NFL interception… all while defending more passes than ever before.
The Washington Commanders remain one of the also-rans of the NFL, but don’t be surprised to see the name of Benjamin St-Juste – alongside his fellow Canadians – up in lights in 2024-25.
