{"id":120950,"date":"2025-09-05T03:57:25","date_gmt":"2025-09-05T03:57:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/120950\/"},"modified":"2025-09-05T03:57:25","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T03:57:25","slug":"over-30-canadians-start-2025-regular-season-with-nfl-teams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/120950\/","title":{"rendered":"Over 30 Canadians start 2025 regular season with NFL teams"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy: Drew Hallowell\/Philadelphia Eagles<\/p>\n

The 2025 NFL regular season kicks off with Canadian flavour included.<\/p>\n

More than 30 players with ties to our home and native land begin the year with NFL teams. There are over 20 players on active rosters, some on practice squads and one quarterback on the non-football injured list.<\/p>\n

*Players are listed in alphabetical order by last name.<\/p>\n

1) OL Isaiah Adams (N) \u2014 Arizona Cardinals<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: none<\/p>\n

The Ajax, Ont. native\u00a0made five starts for the Cards last season after being taken in the third round, 71st overall, during the 2024 NFL Draft<\/a>. He\u2019s slated to start at right guard for Arizona. Adams started his collegiate career at Wilfrid Laurier University, went to Garden City Community College for one season and transferred to the University of Illinois.<\/p>\n

2) REC Elic Ayomanor (N) \u2014 Tennessee Titans<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: none<\/p>\n

The Medicine Hat, Alta. native was selected in the fourth round, 136th overall, during the 2025 NFL Draft<\/a>. He became a collegiate star at Stanford University, where he made 125 catches for 1,844 yards and 12 touchdowns over two seasons. The six-foot-two, 206-pound pass catcher begins 2025 as Tennessee\u2019s third receiver behind Calvin Ridley and Tyler Lockett.<\/p>\n

3) OL Theo Benedet (N) \u2014 Chicago Bears<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: B.C. Lions<\/p>\n

The two-time J. P. Metras Trophy winner spent his entire rookie season on Chicago\u2019s practice roster after joining the team as an undrafted NFL free agent<\/a>. He added muscle while developing in the offseason to make the Bears\u2019 53-man active roster as a tackle.<\/p>\n

4) OL Matthew Bergeron (N) \u2014 Atlanta Falcons<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: none<\/p>\n

The Victoriaville, Que. native has started 34 straight games for the Falcons since being selected in the second round, 38th overall, during the 2023 NFL Draft<\/a>. He\u2019s slated to start at left guard and protect franchise quarterback Michael Penix Jr.<\/p>\n

\"\"Courtesy: AP photo\/Kareem Elgazzar\/NFL Canada<\/p>\n

5) RB Chase Brown (N) \u2014 Cincinnati Bengals<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: Montreal Alouettes<\/p>\n

The London, Ont., native started 10 games for the Bengals in 2024, his second NFL season, while carrying the football 229 times for 990 yards, catching 54 passes for 360 yards and scoring 11 total touchdowns. That was one of the most prolific seasons in NFL history from a Canadian running back<\/a>, and Brown could top those numbers in 2025 alongside QB Joe Burrow as part of a dynamic Cincinnati offence.<\/p>\n

6) DB Sydney Brown (N) \u2014 Philadelphia Eagles<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: Toronto Argonauts<\/p>\n

The London, Ont. native was relegated to a depth role in 2024 amid his return from a torn ACL, though he still helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl<\/a>. Brown has been named the Week 1 starter at free safety for Philly as the team defends its NFL title.<\/p>\n

7) DL Neville Gallimore (N) \u2014 Indianapolis Colts<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder:\u00a0Saskatchewan Roughriders<\/p>\n

The Ottawa, Ont., native signed a one-year, $1.3 million deal to join the Colts<\/a> in free agency after splitting the 2024 season with the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Rams. The six-foot-two, 315-pound defender slots in as a rotational defensive tackle for Indy in a group that includes DeForest Buckner.<\/p>\n

8) DL Michael Hoecht (N) \u2014 Buffalo Bills<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder:\u00a0Ottawa Redblacks<\/p>\n

The Oakville, Ont., native signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Bills<\/a> in the offseason. He\u2019ll miss the first six games of the regular season after violating the league\u2019s performance-enhancing drug policy. Once he returns, Hoecht brings versatility to Buffalo\u2019s defensive front.<\/p>\n

9) DB Jevon Holland (N) \u2014 New York Giants<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: none<\/p>\n

The Coquitlam, B.C. native signed a three-year, $45.3 million deal with the Giants<\/a> in free agency following a four-year run with the Miami Dolphins. Holland brings his playmaking ability to the Big Apple in 2025 as the team\u2019s starting free safety.<\/p>\n

10) RB Chuba Hubbard (N) \u2014 Carolina Panthers<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: Calgary Stampeders<\/p>\n

The Sherwood Park, Alta. native<\/a> is coming off his best professional season as he rushed 250 times for 1,195 yards, caught 43 passes for 171 yards and scored 11 total touchdowns with Carolina. He signed a four-year, $33.2 million extension with the Panthers late last season. Hubbard looks to help Bryce Young and Carolina be a consistently competitive team in 2025.<\/p>\n

11) OL Alaric Jackson (N) \u2014 Los Angeles Rams<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: B.C. Lions<\/p>\n

The Windsor, Ont. native, who was raised primarily in Detroit, Mich., started 35 regular-season games over his first four years with the Rams and was rewarded with a three-year, $56.3 million contract extension in the offseason. Jackson has fought through blood clot issues<\/a> to start at left tackle in Week 1.<\/p>\n

12) TE Theo Johnson (N) \u2014 New York Giants<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: B.C. Lions<\/p>\n

The Winnipeg, Man. native, who was raised in Windsor, Ont., started 11 games for the Giants in his rookie NFL season<\/a>. Johnson caught 29 passes for 331 yards and one touchdown last year and returns as the team\u2019s starter in 2025.<\/p>\n

13) TE Nikola Kalinic (N) \u2014 Chicago Bears<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: none<\/p>\n

The Toronto native was released by the Atlanta Falcons in late August and signed a practice squad contract with the Bears<\/a> days later. He\u2019s earned over $1.4 million USD in his NFL career.<\/p>\n

14) TE Dalton Kincaid (N) \u2014 Buffalo Bills<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: none<\/p>\n

Kincaid was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nev. but is a dual citizen through his mom, Vicki, who hails from Sarnia, Ont. He has sported a Canadian flag<\/a> on his NFL helmet in the past. Kincaid aims for a Super Bowl ring with reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen in 2025.<\/p>\n

15) DB Deane Leonard (N) \u2014 Los Angeles Chargers<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: Hamilton Tiger-Cats<\/p>\n

The Calgary, Alta., native was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return after four games following a leg injury suffered in the preseason. Once healthy, he should return to contributing for the Bolts<\/a>.<\/p>\n

16) OL Giovanni Manu (N) \u2014 Detroit Lions<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: Winnipeg Blue Bombers<\/p>\n

The six-foot-eight, 352-pound blocker spent his adolescence in Pitt Meadows, B.C., and he\u2019s come \u201ca long way<\/a>\u201d following his rookie season in the NFL<\/a>. Lions\u2019 offensive line coach Hank Fraley envisions him \u201ccontributing\u201d in 2025.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo courtesy: Philadelphia Eagles<\/p>\n

17) REC John Metchie III (N) \u2014 Philadelphia Eagles<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: B.C. Lions<\/p>\n

The Brampton, Ont. native was traded from the Houston Texans to Philly<\/a> midway through August. He\u2019s learning the offensive playbook while working with fellow receivers A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Jahan Dotson.<\/p>\n

18) TE Tanner McLachlan (N) \u2014 Cincinnati Bengals<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: Calgary Stampeders<\/p>\n

The Lethbridge, Alta., native was waived after training camp and placed on injured reserve.<\/p>\n

19) LB Amen Ogbongbemiga (N) \u2014 Chicago Bears<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: Calgary Stampeders<\/p>\n

The Nigerian native, who spent his adolescence in Calgary, Alta., earned a two-year, $5 million contract extension with Chicago<\/a> after playing all 17 regular-season games last year. He starts the 2025 season on injured reserve with a designation to return after four games.<\/p>\n

20) DL David Onyemata (N) \u2014 Atlanta Falcons<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder:\u00a0Saskatchewan Roughriders<\/p>\n

The University of Manitoba product enters the 2025 season as a starter at defensive end on Atlanta\u2019s base 3-4 defensive scheme. He\u2019s scheduled to earn over $10 million USD in the final year of his contract with the Falcons<\/a>.<\/p>\n

21) REC Josh Palmer (N) \u2014 Buffalo Bills<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: none<\/p>\n

The Brampton, Ont., native signed a three-year, $29 million free-agent contract with Buffalo following a four-year run with the Los Angeles Chargers. He slots in as the Bills\u2019 third receiver behind Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman entering the 2025 season.<\/p>\n

22) DB Taylor Rapp (N) \u2014 Buffalo Bills<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: none<\/p>\n

Rapp\u2019s father was born in Canada, which gives him dual citizenship<\/a>. He\u2019s Buffalo\u2019s starter at strong safety to begin 2025.<\/p>\n

23) LB Tavius Robinson (N) \u2014 Baltimore Ravens<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: Saskatchewan Roughriders<\/p>\n

The Guelph, Ont., native started seven games for the Ravens in 2024, his second year with the team<\/a>. He looks to continue his development in the NFL as a versatile piece along Baltimore\u2019s stout defensive front.<\/p>\n

24) QB Kurtis Rourke (N) \u2014 San Francisco 49ers<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: Saskatchewan Roughriders<\/p>\n

The Oakville, Ont., native has been placed on the non-football injured list<\/a>, which is meant for players who are unable to participate in on-field activities due to a health issue or injury that wasn\u2019t sustained during an NFL game or practice..<\/p>\n

25) QB Brett Rypien (N) \u2014 Cincinnati Bengals<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: none<\/p>\n

His dad, Tim, is a Calgary native and was selected by the Montreal Expos in the 1982 MLB Draft. Rypien signed to the Bengals\u2019 practice squad in late August<\/a> and starts the 2025 season in Cincy\u2019s QB room with Joe Burrow.<\/p>\n

26) DL Nathan Shepherd (N) \u2014 New Orleans Saints<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: none<\/p>\n

The Ajax, Ont., native begins the 2025 season as a rotational defensive lineman for the Saints<\/a>. He\u2019s earned over $20 million during his NFL career to date.<\/p>\n

27) LB Alex Singleton (N) \u2014 Denver Broncos<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: none<\/p>\n

The dual citizen has recovered from a Week 3 torn ACL<\/a> suffered last season and is ready to start at linebacker for the Broncos in 2025. He\u2019s been named a team captain going into the season.<\/p>\n

28) OL Sidy Sow (N) \u2014 Houston Texans<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: Saskatchewan Roughriders<\/p>\n

The Bromont, Que. native was released among final training camp cuts by the Patriots following two seasons in New England, which included 14 starts. Houston brought him in for a workout and signed him to the team\u2019s practice squad<\/a> entering 2025.<\/p>\n

29) DB Benjamin St-Juste (N) \u2014 Los Angeles Chargers<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: Toronto Argonauts<\/p>\n

The Montreal, Que. native begins the 2025 NFL campaign as a backup cornerback for the Bolts. He signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Chargers<\/a> in the offseason.<\/p>\n

30) DL Brent Urban (N) \u2014 Baltimore Ravens<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder:\u00a0Hamilton Tiger-Cats<\/p>\n

The Mississauga, Ont. native signed to Baltimore\u2019s practice squad<\/a> in late August. He enters his 11th NFL season and eighth with the Ravens.<\/p>\n

31) REC Jared Wayne (N) \u2014 Houston Texans<\/p>\n

CFL rights holder: Toronto Argonauts<\/p>\n

The Peterborough, Ont. native has returned to the team on the practice squad<\/a> after being waived earlier in August.<\/p>\n

Canadian NFL free agents worth tracking: DL Eli Ankou, REC Chase Claypool, QB Taylor Elgersma, OL Kyle Hergel, DL Hayden Harris, DL Paris Shand, and OL Dakoda Shepley.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Photo courtesy: Drew Hallowell\/Philadelphia Eagles The 2025 NFL regular season kicks off with Canadian flavour included. More than…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":120951,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[437],"tags":[49,48,521,522,520,82],"class_list":{"0":"post-120950","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cfl","8":"tag-ca","9":"tag-canada","10":"tag-canadian-football-league","11":"tag-canadianfootballleague","12":"tag-cfl","13":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/120950","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=120950"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/120950\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/120951"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=120950"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=120950"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=120950"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}