Over the years, there have been many successful Canadians to feature across the National Football League. While the Canadian Football League is becoming more and more competitive, the NFL remains the most attractive and lucrative American football league on the planet. Those who aspire to be successful American football players will play in the NFL while those who aren’t good enough to play at the highest level on a weekly basis will be condemned to the CFL. While many Canadians have failed to inspire confidence in the NFL, there have been plenty of talented stars – with many of those names still featuring to the present day. Here are threeΒ of the top Canadian playersΒ in the National Football League as of 2015.
Tyrone Crawford
Crawford plays at defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys and has featured in the NFL since he was drafted in the third round of the 2012 draft. Crawford was born in Ontario, the sourthernmost city in Canada, and played his college football at Boise State. Since making the transition to the National Football League, Crawford has been phenomenal and ranks as one of Dallas’ most consistent performers.
In their most recent encounter against the Carolina Panthers, Crawford recorded four tackles – with one of those assisted – and a sack on star quarterback Cam Newton. In fact, he has recorded four sacks this season – the highest tally since he made the step up to the NFL. He will need to maintain this form if Dallas, who are priced at 12/1 with 32Red Canada,Β are to put together a late challenge for the NFC East title this season.
Brent Urban
Urban is a top prospect but unfortunately many are yet to see him in full flight. After he was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2014 draft, Urban was forced to sit out of the entire campaign after suffering a torrid knee injury in training camp – something that head coach Gary KubiakΒ was devastated about.
KubiakΒ has now left Baltimore but new head coach John Harbaugh has revealed his excitement at Urban’s return after the Ravens activated the defensive end to the 53-man roster after the season-ending injury to running back Justin Forsett. The Ravens are sitting in a precarious position and are unlikely to challenge for the playoffs this season but Urban will be fully focused on regaining the form that he showed during his time at the University of Virginia and could be one of the key men to watch for Baltimore next season. The Ravens are still in with an outside shot of securing a playoff position and are priced at 17/10 with 32Red to pick up the victory against their AFC North rivals Cleveland Browns in their next encounter.
Colin Cole
Cole is a top talent. In fact, the Carolina Panthers defensive tackle has shone ever since he was signed as an undrafted free agent back in 2003. The Toronto-born star originally played for the Minnesota Vikings but has also had stints with the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks during his NFL career. Cole has recorded over 260 tackles during his time in the league and is widely regarded as one of the best Canadians to ever feature in the NFL.
Although he has never managed to make the Pro Bowl or All-Star sides, Cole remains a key component of the currently undefeated Panthers side and will continue to make his presence felt – both on the field and in the locker room. The Panthers are one of the leading Super Bowl contenders this season and Winner currently price them at 7/2 to go on and win the sport’s main event next February.
Summary
These three stars may well be the best Canadians to currently feature in the NFL. There are a number of top talents on the fringes and it would also be easy to make a claim for the likes of Orlando Franklin, L. P. Ladoceur and Austin Pasztor. However, as of week 12 in the 2015 NFL season, these three stars are performing admirably and have led their team in more ways than on the field. If they continue to perform at their current level, it won’t be too long before all three are awarded with individual accolades to recognise their achievements and contributions.
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