Scots Making Their Mark in the NFL: A Profile of Players from Scotland

Scotland’s Impact on the NFL: A Look at Some of the Scots Who Have Made Their Mark

Football, rugby, and golf may be the most popular sports in Scotland, but that hasn’t stopped Scots from making their mark in the American NFL. With eleven players from the nation having appeared in the league, it’s clear that the global appeal of American football has reached even the shores of Scotland.

One such player is Jamie Gillan, a punter born in Forres, north Scotland, who made a name for himself in the NFL after playing college football at Arkansas Pine-Bluff. Known for his powerful kicking, Gillan signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2019 and has since impressed with his skills on the field.

Another notable Scot in the NFL is Graham Gano, a kicker and punter who was born in Arbroath but grew up in the United States. Gano has had a successful career in the league, playing for teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Redskins, and Carolina Panthers before joining the New York Giants.

David Ojabo, a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens, is another Scottish player making waves in the NFL. Born in Aberdeen and raised in the UK, Ojabo moved to the United States to pursue his American football career and has quickly become a standout player in the league.

Arthur Matsu, the first Asian-American to play in the NFL, and Chick Lang, a tackle who played for the Duluth Eskimos and Chicago Cardinals, are also among the Scots who have left their mark on the league.

Lawrence Tynes, born in Greenock, is another Scottish player who found success in the NFL, winning two Superbowls with the New York Giants before finishing his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With these players paving the way, it’s clear that Scotland has a rich history of producing talented athletes who have made their mark in the NFL. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, we can expect to see more Scots making their mark on the biggest stage in American football.