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KRYK: 25 Canadians to start NFL season — five on the Chargers

14 Canadians on an energetic 53-man roster, others on a observe squad or reserve record

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Extra gamers than ever with Canadian ties are within the NFL to begin the 2021 season.

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As of Friday, 18 of 32 NFL golf equipment have been carrying a participant both born in Canada or a minimum of partially raised north of the U.S. border — on an energetic 53-man roster, on a observe squad, on injured reserve, or on the suspended/reserve record. Fourteen are on an energetic roster, with 15th and 16th quickly to return from short-term injured reserve, and a 17th again subsequent month from suspension.

Probably the most Canadians to make an NFL roster in a single season, unofficially, is eighteen in 2005.

Counting observe squads and reserve lists, Canadians within the NFL in 2021 quantity 25.

5 are Los Angeles Chargers.

Certainly, getting into their Week 1 sport Sunday on the Washington Soccer Workforce, the Chargers have 4 Canadians on the energetic roster:

  • Defensive lineman Christian Covington, born and raised in Vancouver, who’s in his seventh NFL season after starring at Rice College in Houston;
  • Cornerback Tevaughn Campbell, born and raised in east-end Toronto, who’s in his second NFL season after enjoying faculty ball and operating monitor on the College of Regina, and enjoying within the CFL from 2015-18;
  • Rookie broad receiver Josh Palmer, born in west-end Toronto however principally raised within the northwest-Toronto suburb of Brampton, who starred on the College of Tennessee earlier than being drafted by L.A. in April in Spherical 3, 77th general;
  • Undrafted rookie linebacker and special-teams ace Amen Ogbongbemiga, born in Nigeria and raised for a time in Houston till spending his teenage years in Calgary, who performed with fellow Albertan Chuba Hubbard at Oklahoma State College.

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What’s extra, offensive guard Ryan Hunter of North Bay, Ont., is on the Chargers’ 16-man observe squad, after spending a lot of the 2018 and 2019 seasons on Kansas Metropolis’s.

5 Canadians on one NFL staff. Coincidence? Yeah, however probably not.

“I labored with legendary CFL coach Cal Murphy for a few years after I was with the (Indianapolis) Colts,” Chargers GM Tom Telesco stated Friday, in a quote supplied by the Chargers. “He was an enormous proponent of Canadian soccer and I discovered quite a bit from him.

“It will be a stretch to say we goal Canadian gamers greater than different NFL groups, however we definitely do our homework on gamers with a background from Canadian excessive colleges, faculties and the CFL.”

The Chargers share a minimum of the current file for many Canadians at one time on an NFL energetic roster, with final yr’s Dallas Cowboys, who for a short while had three Canadians on the defensive position (Tyrone Crawford of Windsor, Ont.; Neville Gallimore of Ottawa; and Eli Ankou of Ottawa) plus veteran long-snapper L.P. Ladouceur of Montreal.

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This yr’s Chargers place two on offence, three on defence — hailing from B.C., Alberta and Ontario.

“Yeah, all throughout the board,” Campbell stated.

Has the fivesome gone out for an all-Canadians dinner but?

“Nawwww, we’re all at totally different positions so we don’t get to see one another as a lot as we might in earlier years, earlier than the pandemic,” the 28-year-old stated. “It’s not like we’ve obtained a bit clique going, however there’s undoubtedly mutual respect, that all of us made it right here.”

Campbell made his on-field NFL debut final season in L.A., enjoying in 14 video games and beginning 4 instances. His lightning-fast pick-six of former Tremendous Bowl MVP Joe Flacco of the New York Jets final November — on which Campbell jumped a brief out-route contained in the Jets’ 10-yard line — is his high NFL spotlight to date.

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Campbell has confronted off typically in opposition to fellow native Torontonian Palmer.

“Oh yeah, Josh was like my predominant receiver in camp,” Campbell stated. “He’s obtained nice potential, I really feel.”

Covington is the son of former star CFL defensive finish and Canadian Soccer Corridor of Famer Grover Covington. The 6-foot-2, 289-pounder is listed as first back-up alongside L.A.’s inside defensive position. That is his fifth NFL cease, after Houston (2015-18), Dallas (2019), Denver (2020) and Cincinnati (2020).

Ogbongbemiga was a longshot to make the Chargers’ 53-man roster following three waves of cut-downs from 90 final month. His relentlessness as a linebacker and his special-teams acumen stood out, nevertheless, as some consultants predicted would profit him earlier than the draft.

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“He’s a grinder, undoubtedly,” Campbell stated. “He’s bodily, he’s quick and he simply grinds. He’ll undoubtedly have a superb perception on particular groups. Similar with Josh Palmer, he’s quick.”

Palmer and Ogbongbemiga are amongst six Canadian rookies who’ve cracked a 53-man roster, and amongst eight such Canadians who’ve but to take a snap in an NFL sport.

Hubbard, the NCAA speeding champion at Oklahoma State in 2019, was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in Spherical 4. Requested in a cellphone interview on Wednesday how he felt when he discovered Ogbongbemiga had made the Chargers’ 53-man roster, the Edmonton native obtained emotional:

“Aw, man, that was such a superb feeling. The factor is with Amen, we’re much more than good buddies — we’re brothers, household. We’ve been by this journey the final 5 years collectively. We’re each making an attempt to make it from Canada, each with our personal story.

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“To see him do what he was presupposed to, what he deserved, is a particular feeling, man. It’s robust to see somebody so near you’re employed simply as onerous as you, placing in all the identical effort, and never get what he deserves — getting drafted.

“However the greatest factor for him is everybody has his personal path, his personal journey. And Amen caught to his path, labored onerous, blocked all the pieces else out and obtained what he deserves. He made the NFL. I used to be most likely extra excited for him than I used to be for myself.”

AJ (Alaric) Jackson — born and principally raised in Windsor, Ont., earlier than relocating throughout the river to Detroit for highschool — did the identical factor as Ogbongbemiga, and in the identical NFL metropolis. That’s, as an undrafted rookie the offensive sort out defied the percentages and made the Los Angeles Rams’ 53-man roster for Week 1.

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In a coincidence, Hubbard and the primary of 4 Canadian born-or-raised gamers to be drafted this previous spring, Miami Dolphins security Jevon Holland, wound up figuring out collectively in Santa Ana, Calif., within the weeks main as much as the draft.

“Everytime you’re capable of see different Canadians doing good issues, it’s simply good things,” Hubbard stated in an interview in April. “That’s precisely what we wish to see, that’s precisely what we try for. I say it on a regular basis: Too many prospects get missed in Canada.”

Perhaps not anymore.

Profiles of the 2021 Canadian NFLers

Listed below are the 25 gamers with Canadian ties who’re beginning the 2021 NFL season on an energetic 53-man roster, on a observe squad, on injured reserve, or suspension/reserve. (NOTE: Defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford of Windsor, Ont., and tight finish Luke Willson of LaSalle, Ont., have retired.)

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ACTIVE 53-MAN ROSTER

(From most skilled to least)

LAURENT DUVERNAY-TARDIF

Guard, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, #76

Eighth yr in NFL

Hometown: Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Que.

School: McGill College (Montreal)

After opting out in 2020 due to pandemic considerations, “LDT” is again. He missed most of camp with a hand damage and is listed as first back-up at RG.

BRENT URBAN

Defensive lineman, Dallas Cowboys, #95

Seventh yr in NFL

Hometown: Mississauga, Ont.

School: College of Virginia

The 30-year-old, who got here from Chicago in March as a free agent, performed in 43% of the Cowboys’ defensive performs in Thursday’s loss at Tampa Bay. He obtained in on two tackles.

CHRISTIAN COVINGTON

Defensive lineman, Los Angeles Chargers, #95

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Seventh yr in NFL

Hometown: Vancouver

School: Rice College (Texas)

The son of Canadian Soccer Corridor of Famer Grover Covington is one his fifth NFL staff. He’s listed by the Chargers as major backup on the D-line.

NATHAN SHEPHERD

Defensive lineman, New York Jets, #97

Fourth yr in NFL

Hometown: Ajax, Ont.

School: Fort Hays State College (Kansas)

Shepherd is within the remaining yr of rookie contract as a Spherical 3 draft decide. He had 2.5 sacks final season as a rotational backup. It’s put-up time — contract yr.

TEVAUGHN CAMPBELL

Cornerback, Los Angeles Chargers, #37

Third yr in NFL

Hometown: Toronto

School: College of Regina

A CFLer in Calgary, Saskatchewan and Montreal from 2015-18, Campbell performed in his first 14 NFL video games in 2020, getting a pick-six. Performs inside and outdoors.

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.

CHASE CLAYPOOL

Huge receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers, #11

Second yr in NFL

Hometown: Abbotsford, B.C.

School: College of Notre Dame

The massive-bodied speedster burst onto the scene as a rookie, scoring 11 touchdowns — 9 within the air, and two on the bottom. Could be on the verge of stardom.

MICHAEL HOECHT

Defensive lineman, Los Angeles Rams, #96

Second yr in NFL

Hometown: Oakville, Ont.

School: Brown College

Lived in Ottawa and Toronto earlier than principally being raised in Ohio. Hoecht spent final season on the Rams’ observe squad. Earned backup function this summer season.

DAKODA SHEPLEY

Guard/centre, Seattle Seahawks, #64

Second yr in NFL

Hometown: Windsor, Ont.

School: College of British Columbia

After two CFL seasons in Saskatchewan, he signed final yr with the 49ers. They waived him final week, and Seattle fortunately claimed Shepley as a backup.

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JEVON HOLLAND

Deep security, Miami Dolphins, #8

NFL rookie

Hometown: Coquitlam, B.C.

School: College of Oregon

Formally listed as a backup free security however the Spherical 2 draft decide is predicted to play a bunch and perhaps quickly begin, even in a loaded secondary.

BENJAMIN ST-JUSTE

Cornerback, Washington Soccer Workforce, #25

NFL rookie

Hometown: Montreal

School: College of Minnesota

Listed as first backup to starter Kendall Fuller. Spherical 3 draft decide’s protection abilities have been lauded pre-draft. Ought to see the sphere a bunch in 2021.

JOSH PALMER

Huge receiver, Los Angeles Chargers, #5

NFL rookie

Hometown: Brampton, Ont.

School: College of Tennessee

A giant-bodied, sure-handed deep menace chosen in Spherical 3, who burned one of the best SEC cornerbacks final yr. Caught 10 passes and a TD in preseason video games.

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CHUBA HUBBARD

Operating again, Carolina Panthers, #30

NFL rookie

Hometown: Edmonton

School: Oklahoma State College

Listed as first back-up to famous person starter Christian McCaffrey. Rushed for 139 yards in preseason video games, and caught six passes for 46 yards.

AMEN OGBONGBEMIGA

Linebacker, Los Angeles Chargers, #57

NFL rookie

Hometown: Laos/Houston/Calgary

School: Oklahoma State College

A longshot to crack 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent, he did so anyway, partially due to his excellent play on particular groups.

AJ (ALARIC) JACKSON

Offensive sort out, Los Angeles Rams, #68

NFL rookie

Hometown: Windsor, Ont.

School: College of Iowa

One other undrafted free agent who survived final month’s cuts. Jackson, who attended highschool in Detroit, is listed because the Rams’ third-string proper sort out.

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SUSPENDED RESERVE

DAVID ONYEMATA

Defensive sort out, New Orleans Saints, #93

Sixth yr in NFL

Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria

School: College of Manitoba

An affect starter the final two years with 9.5 sacks, Onyemata is suspended for the primary six video games for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug coverage.

INJURED RESERVE (non permanent)

N’KEAL HARRY

Huge receiver, New England Patriots, #15

Third yr in NFL

Hometown: Chandler, Ariz.

School: Arizona State College

Has missed 11 of 32 profession video games with damage, with simply 45 catches in two seasons as a 2019 Spherical 1 decide. He’s on IR to begin the season (shoulder). Due again by early October.

NEVILLE GALLIMORE

Defensive sort out, Dallas Cowboys, #96

Second yr in NFL

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Hometown: Ottawa, Ont.

School: College of Oklahoma

Third-round draft decide contributed instantly in 2020, beginning 9 video games, recording half a sack. Ought to return from shoulder damage earlier than October.

INJURED RESERVE (long-term)

BRETT JONES
Centre, Denver Broncos, #65

Seventh yr in NFL

Hometown: Weyburn, Sask.

School: College of Regina

The previous CFL all-star performed beforehand within the NFL with the Giants and Vikings. Suffered a biceps damage in late August and is reportedly finished for the season.

RYSEN JOHN

Tight finish, New York Giants, #44

Second yr in NFL

Hometown: Vancouver

School: Simon Fraser College

Regardless of enjoying WR in faculty, survived most of 2020 Giants camp earlier than being waived/injured (hamstring). Suffered a nasty ankle damage final month.

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BRUNO LABELLE

Tight finish, Arizona Cardinals, #35

NFL rookie

Hometown: Montreal

School: College of Cincinnati

Playing cards gave the undrafted blocking specialist a shot in camp. Was considered a practice-squad candidate. Stays with membership on IR with an undisclosed damage.

PRACTICE SQUAD

ANTONY (TONY) AUCLAIR

Tight finish, Houston Texans, #83

Fifth yr in NFL

Hometown: Notre-Dame-des-Pins, Que.

School: Laval College

The Bucs’ run-blocking specialist at tight ends for 4 years, the loaded Tremendous Bowl champs didn’t re-sign him.

RYAN HUNTER

Guard, Los Angeles Chargers, #67

Fourth yr in NFL

Hometown: North Bay, Ont.

School: Bowling Inexperienced State College (Ohio)

Apprenticed on Chiefs’ observe squad from 2018-19 earlier than becoming a member of Chargers’ final season.

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CARTER O’DONNELL

Offensive sort out, Indianapolis Colts, #61

Second yr in NFL

Hometown: Purple Deer, Alta.

School: College of Alberta

With prototypical NFL OT dimensions (6-foot-5, 313 kilos) it says one thing that Colts introduced him again.

J.J. MOLSON

Placekicker, Inexperienced Bay Packers, #9

Second yr in NFL

Hometown: Montreal

School: UCLA

Eighth-generation descendant of famous 18th-century beer brewer John Molson is a reservist backing up 37-year-old Mason Crosby.

PIER-OLIVIER LESTAGE

Guard, Seattle Seahawks, #62

NFL rookie

Hometown: Saint-Eustache, Que.

School: Universite de Montreal

Spectacular, as he hadn’t performed soccer since 2019, after Canadian college leaders scrapped 2020-21 sports activities.

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STILL LOOKING

ELI ANKOU

Defensive lineman

Fifth yr in NFL

Hometown: Ottawa

School: UCLA

Had unsuccessful low season stints in Atlanta and Buffalo. Had a tryout this week in Miami.

LIRIM HAJRULLAHU

Placekicker

Second yr in NFL, ex-CFLer

Hometown: St. Catharines, Ont.

School: Western College

Kicked from 2014-19 within the CFL. Was in Rams’ camp final yr, Cowboys’ camp this summer season.

LOUIS-PHILIPPE (L.P.) LADOUCEUR

Lengthy snapper

seventeenth yr in NFL

Hometown: Montreal

School: College of California

The Cowboys moved on from him after 16 years, however the 40-year-old nonetheless has not but filed retirement papers.`

JoKryk@postmedia.com

@JohnKryk

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