The 2022 National Football League regular season begins on Thursday with 13 active Canadians on the 32 rosters. Let’s take a look at who they are.
Chase Claypool–The native of Abbotsford, British Columbia is a starting wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In 2021, he had 59 catches for 860 yards and two touchdowns.
Neville Gallimore–The native of Ottawa, Ontario is a backup defensive lineman for the Dallas Cowboys. In 2021, he had 13 combined tackles (eight assisted tackles and five solo tackles), three tackles for a loss and two quarterback hits.
Michael Hoecht–The native of Oakville, Ontario is a backup defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams. In 2021, he had seven combined tackles (six solo tackles and one assisted tackle).
Jevon Holland–The native of Coquitlam, British Columbia is a starting free safety for the Miami Dolphins. In 2021, he had 69 combined tackles (48 solo tackles and 21 assisted tackles), three tackles for a loss, seven quarterback hits, two interceptions, 10 pass deflections, three fumble recoveries for three yards and 2.5 sacks.
Alaric Jackson–The native of Windsor, Ontario is a backup tackle for the Los Angeles Rams. He played in four games for the Rams last season.
Deane Leonard–The native of Calgary, Alberta is a backup defensive back for the Los Angeles Chargers. He was the Chargers’ seventh round pick, 236th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Amen Ogbongbemiga–The Calgary-raised linebacker played his first NFL season with the Chargers in 2021. Ogbongbemiga had 26 combined tackles (17 solo tackles and nine assisted tackles), two quarterback hits, two tackles for a loss and one quarterback sack in a backup role.
David Onyemata–The Winnipeg-raised starting defensive tackle is with the New Orleans Saints. He had 34 combined tackles (12 solo tackles and 22 assisted tackles), two tackles for a loss, 10 quarterback hits, two sacks and one fumble recovery in 2021.
Josh Palmer–The Brampton, Ontario native had 33 catches for 353 yards and four touchdowns with the Chargers as a rookie wide receiver in 2021. He also had one rush for six yards. Palmer will be in a starting role in 2022.
Nathan Shepherd–The native of Ajax, Ontario is a reserve defensive tackle for the New York Jets. Last year for the Jets, he had 28 combined tackles (17 solo tackles and 11 assisted tackles), and eight quarterback hits in 2021.
Benjamin St-Juste–The native of Montreal, Quebec is projected to be a starting defensive back with the Washington Commanders in 2021. Last season he had 26 combined tackles (20 solo tackles and six assisted tackles), one tackle for a loss and three pass deflections.
Brent Urban–The native of Mississauga, Ontario is a backup defensive end with the Baltimore Ravens. Last season with the Dallas Cowboys, he had three assisted tackles and one passes deflection.
Luiji Vilain–The native of Ottawa, Ontario is a backup linebacker with the Minnesota Vikings. He signed as an undrafted free agent in the offseason.
