We know Canada doesn’t have its own team in the NFL, as it represents America’s National Football League – but five players this year are from our home country. The season is off to a great start and we all love to bet on our favorite team, so let’s explore Canada’s sports stars who have been drafted into the NFL. Where are they now? Who are they playing for and will their team win the league? Let’s see.
Chase Claypool
After being acquired by the Chicago Bears at the NFL’s 2022 trade deadline, Chase Claypool has now been traded to the Miami Dolphins. The 25-year-old from Abbotsford, Canada had a rough time with the Bears after feeling like he was put in the wrong position for his game. The Bears were hit by a four-week losing streak, so even though the entire team was in trouble, Chase was unhappy about it all. Fortunately, the Dolphins were available for a trade, and his 2023 NFL draft saw a great turnaround. He plays wide receiver and previously played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He hasn’t been playing long, only 25 years old, but he already had 10 college football offers before joining Notre Dame. He appeared in 12 games in each of the four seasons he played as an Irish player, and was notable in his senior year.
Playing for the Miami Dolphins is probably the best thing that has happened to Chase right now, as they are currently 6-3 and in first place in the AFC East, and we are already halfway through the season. A rough start early in the NFL season could have been detrimental to Chase’s future, but with this season’s NFL odds for the Miami Dolphins, we’re extremely optimistic about where he can end up in his career.
Jevon Holland
Another Canadian who makes the Dolphins team as strong as possible is 23-year-old Jevon Holland. Miami already has some of the best players in the game, with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and now with two Canadians, they will be at the top of their game. Known as the ‘secret star’ of Miami’s defense, this 2023 second round pick has turned into a huge success. Holland previously played college football at Oregon, before being drafted in 2021. Over the past two years, he has made his mark on the industry, proving that Canadians make the NFL better.
Chuba Hubbard
Chuba Robert Hubbard is a 24-year-old Canadian running back for the Carolina Panthers. He previously ran for 2,000 yards for Oklahoma State, and spent most of his two professional seasons as a backup to some of the other sports stars he worked with. With his team ready for their next game against Miami and his teammate injured, Hubbard has a chance to showcase his skills in place of his superstar teammate. So far this season, Hubbard has 154 rushing yards, 57 receiving and 47 touchdowns in just five weeks, so he may be slower and more on the sidelines than some, but he’s trying — and it’s paying off.
Ivan Metchie III
Currently the youngest Canadian in the group, John Metchie III is only 23 years old and plays for the Houston Texas NFL draft team. He only returned to the field this year, Metchie just recovering from an offseason before his freshman year, as he was diagnosed with acute leukemia. Fortunately, he is back in fighting shape and ready to return. He’s no stranger to comebacks, having blown out his knee on his college team at Alabama and is only now coming back. He plays for a brilliant team that is pushing for second place, so we’re sure he’ll fit in well and we’ll see a lot of potential. His NFL debut is nothing short of a miracle and we’re glad the Canadian is paving the way for fighters everywhere.
Josh Palmer
24-year-old Canadian Josh Palmer relies on his NFL team, the LA Chargers, but unfortunately suffered a knee injury this week. This player is currently the Chargers’ biggest asset after being selected in the 3rd round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He played college football at Tennessee and has his eyes set on a successful career that could lead him to the Super Bowl. He plays alongside some of the greats like Kellen Moore and Justin Herbert so watch this space.
Although only five Canadians were drafted this season to the NFL, they are all very promising players and all are proving that they have what it takes.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education