Sponsored Post: Top 10 Greatest Arab NFL Players All time

posted on: Jan 4, 2023

The NFL is one of the most popular sports worldwide, full of incredible athletes. Arab NFL players have made their mark on the NFL with some of the greatest plays and feats ever witnessed.

Arab NFL History

NFL history has been dotted with players of Arab backgrounds that have made a name for themselves in the NFL. NFL odds are usually on the minds of casual fans, but there is much more to appreciate when it comes to Arab NFL players. While some may be lesser-known than others, they paved the way for many current and future NFL stars from Arab backgrounds.

The NFL had had players of Arab descent since the late 1970s when the Miami Dolphins drafted Lebanese quarterback Joe Theismann in 1971. He played with them for two seasons before moving to the Washington Redskins, where he would remain until 1985 and earn NFL MVP honors. He retired as one of the most successful NFL players of Arab descent.

Greatest Arab NFL Players

The NFL is one of the most popular sports in the world, and its popularity is continuing to grow. The NFL has produced incredibly talented players worldwide, including those from Arab countries. This list looks at 10 of the greatest NFL players from Arab backgrounds and discusses their success in the NFL.

1. Abe Gibron

The first NFL player of Arab descent to make this list is Abe Gibron. Born in 1926, Gibron was an offensive guard for the Chicago Bears from 1946 to 1951 and again from 1953 to 54. He made two NFL championship appearances and was also a two-time Pro Bowler, making him one of the NFL’s greatest Arab NFL players. Gibron also served as the head coach for the Bears in 1971 and 1972, becoming the first NFL coach of Arab descent. He was known for his fiery personality and toughness on the field, which earned him respect from teammates and opponents.

2. Bill George

Another great Arab NFL player is Bill George. Born in 1930, George played for the Chicago Bears from 1952 to 1965 and was selected to nine Pro Bowls. He retired as one of the top defensive players of all time and still holds records for most interceptions (49) and most sacks (30).

George has been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is considered one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. He was also a Super Bowl champion with the Bears in 1963, making him one of the top Arab Super Bowl heroes.

3. Rich Kotite

Rich Kotite was an NFL player who made a name for himself as one of the top Super Bowl odds makers. He began his career at the University of Arizona, earning All-Pac 10 honors in football and track & field. After college, Kotite went undrafted but was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1975. During his 11-year career in the NFL, Kotite played for three teams: the Eagles, New York Jets, and the San Francisco 49ers.

Kotite was a Super Bowl oddsmaker renowned among his peers as one of the best in the business. He had an uncanny ability to predict outcomes accurately and offer Super Bowl odds that were accurate within a very narrow range. His expertise helped him win several Super Bowls and reach the playoffs with each team he played for in the NFL.

4. Robert Saleh

Robert Saleh is one of the NFL’s most recognizable Arab NFL players. He entered the NFL in 2006 with the Detroit Lions. Since then, he has carved out a successful career as a defensive coordinator for several teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers. 

Saleh’s signature style relies on aggressive blitzes and pressure packages, and he is one of the NFL’s top defensive minds. He has won numerous awards during his NFL career, including NFL Assistant Coach of the Year in 2019 for his work with the 49ers. He is also the first Arab head coach in NFL history, appointed as the head coach for the New York Jets in 2021. Saleh is a true NFL pioneer and an inspiration to many aspiring NFL players of Arab descent.

5. Brian Habib

Brian Habib has made a significant impact on the game of football. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings and went on to play for 11 seasons with them. During his time with the team, he started every game as a right guard, becoming one of just five players to play every game in the same position. He also was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and was a part of the 1998 NFC Championship team that made it to Super Bowl XXXIII.

Off the field, Brian Habib has been an advocate for youth football programs, helping to create a safe environment for young players to learn and thrive in. He is also very active in the community, having served on the board of several charitable organizations and participating in several philanthropic efforts.

6. Jeff George

Jeff George was an NFL quarterback active in the 1990s, best known for playing with the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons. Born in Indianapolis, he was a standout player at INDIANA UNIVERSITY, earning All-American honors. He was drafted first overall by the Colts in 1990, making him one of the highest draft picks ever.

George went on to have a successful career in the NFL, becoming the first quarterback ever to throw for over 4,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. He also set records for single-game yardage and touchdown passes. Despite his successes, George was controversial due to his outspokenness and tendency to clash with coaches and teammates. In 1996, he famously feuded with Colts head coach Ted Marchibroda, eventually leading to his release from the team.

7. Drew Haddad

Drew Haddad is an Arab American professional football player who currently plays wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). Born and raised in Dearborn, Michigan, to Lebanese parents, Drew always had a natural affinity towards sports and athletics. Growing up, he excelled at basketball and Football, eventually leading him to be recruited by several college teams for both sports.

In the end, Drew decided to pursue a career in Football, attending the University of Michigan and playing for their team in his first years at college. During his time with the Wolverines, he quickly gained recognition as one of the top receiving talents in college football, culminating with his being selected to enter the NFL after his junior season.

8. Gibran Hamdan

Gibran Hamdan is an American professional Football player and former NFL quarterback. He was born on August 2, 1980, in San Francisco, California, and attended St Ignatius College Preparatory before attending the University of Washington. Standing 6 feet tall, he has played for several teams, including the Seattle Seahawks, Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins, and Buffalo Bills.

Hamdan was signed as an undrafted free agent by Seattle in 2003 and then moved on to Miami the following year to back up Jay Fiedler, the starter at the time. He saw action in two games that season and completed 14 out of 22 passes for 98 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions.

9. Oday Aboushi

Oday Aboushi is an Arab American professional football player playing for the NFL’s Detroit Lions. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Palestinian parents, he has become a role model and inspiration to many community members. 

Aboushi attended Xaverian High School before going on to the University of Virginia. There, he played four seasons as an offensive lineman, earning All-ACC Honorable Mention twice. After going undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft, Aboushi signed with the New York Jets, becoming the first Palestinian American to play in the NFL.

10. Ryan Kalil

Ryan Kalil is a former National Football League (NFL) player who transitioned from college to professional football. He played center for the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets during his 12-year career in the NFL, playing a total of 158 regular season games. Kalil was one of the best centers in the league during his time, making five Pro Bowls appearances and being named to the All-Pro First Team twice.

 The Panthers originally drafted Kalil in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft. He quickly became an integral part of their offensive line, starting all 16 games for them his rookie year and helping lead the team to Super Bowl XXXVIII in his second season.

Conclusion

The NFL has seen many great players from Arab backgrounds make their mark on the league. From Drew Bledsoe and Gibran Hamdan to Oday Aboushi and Ryan Kalil, these players have shown that success in the NFL is achievable, no matter where you come from. Their stories are inspiring and serve as a reminder that hard work, determination, and dedication are the keys to achieving your dreams. As these players continue to pave the way for others, more Arab American footballers will likely follow in their footsteps and make their own mark.

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