How Many Mexicans Play in the NFL?

There are currently 96 Mexicans playing in the NFL. This number has been increasing over the years as the sport becomes more popular in the country.

Introduction

Although a small number of Mexicans have always played in the NFL, the number has increased significantly in recent years. As of the 2017 season, there are now 16 Mexicans playing in the NFL, which is the most of any country outside the United States. This increase is due in part to the growing popularity of American football in Mexico, as well as the success of Mexican players in college football.

The History of Mexicans in the NFL

Mexicans have been playing in the National Football League (NFL) since the league’s inception in 1920. The first Mexicano to play in the NFL was Tom Fears, who played for the Los Angeles Rams from 1948 to 1956. Fears was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and moved to the United States with his family when he was three years old. Since Fears’ debut, there have been many other Mexicano players in the NFL.

Pre-2000

The first Mexican to play in the NFL was Tom Fears, who was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, and became a receiver for the Los Angeles Rams. He played in the NFL from 1948 to 1956 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970.

Other notable Mexicans in the NFL before 2000 include:

-Rafael Septien: A placekicker who played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1978 to 1987. He is of Spanish and Mexican descent.
-Tony Zendejas: A placekicker who played for various teams from 1984 to 1997. He is of Mexican descent.
-Alonzo Highsmith: A running back who played for the Houston Oilers and Green Bay Packers from 1988 to 1993. He is of African-American and Mexican descent.

2000-2010

In 2002, the NFL created the “Rooney Rule” named after Pittsburgh Steelers’ owner Dan Rooney. This rule requires that all teams interview at least one minority candidate for every head coaching and general manager position that opens up. Because of this rule, the number of Mexicans in the NFL has increased significantly.

In 2010, ESPN reported that there were 14 Mexicans playing in the NFL. This number has most likely increased in the past decade, but an exact number is difficult to find because the NFL does not keep track of players’ ethnicities.

Some of the most notable Mexicans in the NFL are:
-Phil Dawson: placekicker for the Arizona Cardinals
-Marco Rivera: former offensive guard for the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys
-Anthony Muñoz: enshrined in both the College Football and NFL Halls of Fame, he is considered one of the greatest offensive linemen of all time

2010-present

Since 2010, the number of Mexicans in the NFL has been on the rise. In 2010, there were only two Mexicans in the NFL. By 2016, that number had risen to twelve. This increase can be attributed to a variety of factors, but most notably the growing popularity of American football in Mexico and the increasing number of Mexican-American players in the NFL.

The first Mexican-American player in the NFL was Tony Romo, who was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2003. Romo’s success helped pave the way for other Mexican-American players to enter the league. In 2010, six Mexican-American players were drafted into the NFL, including Jared Crick and Damontre Moore.

Since 2010, several Mexicans have had successful careers in the NFL. In 2013, Victor Cruz became the first Mexican-born player to win a Super Bowl when his team, the New York Giants, defeated the New England Patriots. Cruz is also one of only four Mexicans to have been selected for a Pro Bowl team. Other successful Mexicans in the NFL include defensive lineman Olivier Vernon and tight end Anthony Fasano.

The Impact of Mexicans in the NFL

It is estimated that Mexicans make up about 3.5% of the NFL player population. This may not seem like a lot, but it is a significant increase from past years. Mexicans have had a long history of playing football, dating back to the early 1900s. In the NFL, Mexicans are often viewed as hard-working and passionate players. They are also known for their speed and agility.

On the game

Though it may be difficult to believe, Mexican-Americans have only been playing in the National Football League (NFL) for less than a century. In fact, the first Mexican-American player wasn’t even drafted into the NFL – he signed as a free agent in 1927. His name was Alfonso Lopez and he played one game as a defensive end for the Chicago Cardinals.Since then, Mexicans have made gradual but significant inroads into the NFL. According to a 2014 report by the Pew Research Center, there were 58 Hispanic or Latino players in the NFL that year – 3.3% of the league’s total players. That number has likely increased in the past five years as the league continues to globalize and attract talented players from all over the world.

While Mexicans are still vastly underrepresented in the NFL compared to other racial groups, they have had some success at various positions on the field. In recent years, Mexican-American quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Tony Romo and Mark Sanchez have found success at America’s most iconic position. On defense, Mexican-American standouts like sacks leader Reggie White and Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott have made their mark on the league.

As more Mexicans continue to enter the NFL, it will be interesting to see how they impact the game on and off the field. With their growing presence in the league, Mexican-American players are poised to leave their mark on America’s favorite sport for years to come.

On society

Mexicans in the NFL have had a long and complicated journey to get to where they are today. Though there are currently only 32 Mexicans playing in the NFL, they have made a significant impact on the game, both on and off the field.

Mexicans in the NFL have faced discrimination and exclusion throughout their careers. In the early years of the league, Mexicans were not allowed to play because of their perceived lack of ability. This changed in the 1950s when Mexican players began to be recruited by American colleges and universities. However, even then, they faced obstacles such as language barriers and cultural differences.

Despite these challenges, Mexicans have persevered and made a significant impact on the game of football. They have helped to challenge stereotypes about Mexican athletes and shown that Mexicans can compete at the highest level. In recent years, Mexicans in the NFL have also become more involved in giving back to their communities, using their platform to raise awareness about important issues such as immigration reform.

As Mexican players continue to make progress in the NFL, they are helping to build a better future for all Mexicans has become an increasingly important part of their journey.

Conclusion

Out of the 1,696 NFL players during the 2016 season, 91 were of Mexican descent. This number has been growing steadily over the past few years, and it is expected to continue to grow in the future. The number of Mexican Americans playing in the NFL is still relatively small, but it is slowly but surely increasing.