Over the years, there have been a number of talented Canadian-born players to compete in the National Football League. The likes of Tyrone Crawford, Austin Collie and Nate Burleson have all enjoyed relatively successful careers throughout their years in the league. However, only a select few can be part of a Super BowlΒ side. We take a look at just a few of the best Canadians to play inΒ the Super Bowl and give a brief insight into their role in the team.
Nick Kaczur
Nick Kaczur was part of the Patriots team that went unbeaten before losing to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII back in 2008. Playing as an offensive tackle, his primary role was to protectΒ Tom Brady as well as open up running lanes for the Patriots backs. During a five-year stint at Foxboro, Kaczur started 62 of 68 games for New England and was an integral part of the team until his release in 2011.
As of December 14th, New England could do with Kaczur in their injury-hit present day side as they chase yet another Super Bowl crown. At the time of writing, theΒ Patriots are priced at 7/2Β with Ironbet to win the showpiece eventΒ but they are certainly lacking a Kaczur-esque presence on the offensive line and may come under pressure in the postseason. Kaczur would – and used to – give a much-needed boost to those team-mates around him.
Jon Ryan
The Seattle Seahawks punter has been key to their dominance in recent years and, along with Pat McAfee, Ryan ranks as one of the best in the division. During his career, he has broken a number of records and became theΒ first Canadian in NFL history toΒ throw a fake field goal touchdown pass in last year’s playoff matchΒ against the Green Bay Packers.
In fact, that throw also saw him become the first punter to throw a touchdown in NFL playoff history – and that particular effort sparked the Seahawks into life as they came from behind to snatch the victory. Ryan has also played a key role this season and his average of 45.5 yards per punt ranks in the top half of the league. Punters are often overlooked but Ryan’s contributions certainly shouldn’t be.
Mark Rypien
Rypien was a phenomenal quarterback in his day and was theΒ firstΒ Canadian-born player to win the Super Bowl MVP award. The former Washington Redskins signal-caller was selected with the 146th pick in the 1986 NFL draft but went on to show that he was more than worthy of a higher slot. Through his first five seasons with the franchise, Rypien threw 97 touchdown passes and 65 interceptions. That is a decent ratio for those days.
However, his standout moment was at Super Bowl XXVI as the Redskins earned a convincing 37-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills. On that day, Rypien threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns – which was enough to win him the MVP award for the game. To this day, he remains a hero in Washington folklore and will forever be regarded as a Redskins legend despite playing for other teams after his tenure at Washington.
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