7 Native American NFL Players (Past and Present)

Native American athletes have always been present in the NFL, whether you realize it or not. Highlighting these athletes, past and present, plays a significant role in the future of Native American sports and representation.

Here are 7 Native American NFL players who have, or currently are, making a name for themselves in the competitive world of professional football!

Tucker Kraft – Green Bay Packers

Tucker Kraft is a rising star on the Green Bay Packers and has proven himself to both fans and teammates alike that he’s someone who will deliver game after game. As an honorary member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Kraft has made it his mission to represent Indigenous people positively. For instance, Kraft was recently the first player to wear a sticker of his tribe’s flag on his helmet during games.

Keenan Allen – LA Chargers

Keenan Allen is a member of the Lumbee tribe and is one of the most well-respected wide receivers in the NFL today. Throughout his career, Allen has proved himself worthy of the praise and accomplishments he regularly receives. From the start of his career until now, Allen has played a pivotal role in his team’s success. Off the field, Allen strives to inspire young Native Americans as well as represent the Lumbee tribe accordingly.

James Winchester – Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs

James Winchester has been in the NFL since 2013. After joining the Eagles as an undrafted free agent, Winchester’s career was quickly cut short due to roster cuts. Despite this, the determined athlete continued pursuing his NFL dreams, eventually leading him to the Chiefs. Since his time in Kansas City, Winchester has won a Super Bowl (2019).

Eli Ankou – Buffalo Bills

Eli Ankou is a defensive tackle born and raised in Canada. Ankou is an Ojibwe of the Dokis First Nation from his mother’s side and has set an example for young Indigenous kids aspiring to play sports professionally. That said, Ankou has had years of experience in the NFL, playing on teams such as the Atlanta Falcons, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans, and the Buffalo Bills.

Sam Bradford – Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, St. Louis Rams

Sam Bradford is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and was the first member of his tribe to start at quarterback for a D1 university since Sonny Sixkiller. Throughout high school and college, Bradford set various records in football and was even athletic enough to play professional hockey according to former NHL players. On top of playing for various professional football teams (Eagles, Vikings, Rams), Bradford was inducted into the American Indian Hall of Fame at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City.

Creed Humphrey – Kansas City Chiefs

A proud member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, Creed Humphrey is a successful center on the Chiefs. In fact, Humphrey’s most recent contract extension made him the highest-paid center in the NFL! On top of providing an excellent example and representation of his tribe, Humphrey is also a two-time Super Bowl champion.

Wes Welker – New England Patriots, Denver Broncos

A well-known wide receiver in the NFL, Wes Welker revolutionized the position, proving that smaller wide receivers can still be effective. Welker is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and has a grandmother who lives within Cherokee Nation jurisdiction in Oklahoma. Some of Welker’s numerous accomplishments include the most career receptions for the Patriots, the most receiving yards in a single season, and the most seasons with 105 or more receptions.

Jim Thorpe – Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Indians, Oorang Indians, Rock Island Independents, New York Giants, Tampa Cardinals, Chicago Cardinals

Jim Thorpe is perhaps the most iconic name amongst Native American athletes. Growing up in the Sac and Fox region of Oklahoma, it wasn’t long before Thorpe took the world of athletics by storm. And did we mention that professional football wasn’t the only sport Thorpe thrived in? On top of that, this Indigenous legend also played baseball professionally and was a successful Olympic athlete. Despite facing numerous instances of prejudice and unfair treatment, Thorpe won TWO gold medals in the 1912 Olympic Games and became a member of the NFL Hall of Fame.