Tua Tagovailoa will be the latest in a long line of NFL players of Asian descent who are underrepresented (1.9% of all players). The NFL has seen Asian and Asian American players rise through the ranks to become some of the best athletes ever to play the sport.

This has happened for many decades. These Five stood out among the many NFL players of Asian descent who have come and gone over the years. After moving to Oklahoma, Murray, whose mother is Korean, became one of the most well-known figures in college football.

He won the Heisman Trophy there, making him a surefire top pick in the 2022 draft.

The Best Asian NFL Players Of All Time :

5. Dat Nguyen :

My all-time favorite, Dat Nguyen pic.twitter.com/yRwBBmceL1

— Doug Fuentes (@Doug_Fu) October 21, 2021

Dat Nguyen played defensively for the Texas A&M Aggies for four years. He was selected in the third round and was an All-American star. Sadly, Nguyen’s career was cut short by injuries to his neck and knee.

He demonstrated during his time with the Cowboys that, despite his diminutive stature, he could be a force in the NFL. He is currently attempting coaching. 

4. Johnnie Morton :

.@Lions WR @kgxix has produced 50+ receiving yards in 9-straight road games dating back to 2019.

This is the longest active streak in the @NFL.

It ties WR Johnnie Morton (1999-2000) for the 3rd-longest streak in franchise history.#OnePride pic.twitter.com/SG4FeLgnfO

— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) October 25, 2020

Johnnie Morton, whose mother was Japanese, was a great wide receiver at USC. He used his speed to run down the field at his college position and as a punt returner during his NFL career with the Detroit Lions. Chad, his brother, played football as well.

3. Tedy Bruschi :

For posterity, @EliManning – you should highlight this one, you know, for your big bro! 😉 pic.twitter.com/U6mwidSxM9

— Leslie (@marathongirlie) January 16, 2023

Tedy Bruschi, the son of a Filipino mother, made his name at the University of Arizona, where he was one of the best defensive players in the United States. He played for the New England Patriots in the years before Tom Brady and Bill Belichick made the team a powerhouse.

Over the course of his career, Bruschi recorded 1,110 tackles, 30.5 sacks, 12 interceptions, and 11 forced fumbles. He had a stroke in 2005, which could have ended his career. However, he was able to play again before retiring in 2008. In July 2019, Bruschi had a second stroke, and he is still recovering. 

2. Roman Gabriel :

#Rams QB Roman Gabriel, 50 years ago today in Buffalo. pic.twitter.com/kl8Qwbw1UB

— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) September 27, 2020

Roman Gabriel, whose father was from the Philippines, was selected second overall in the 1962 NFL Draft at a time when diversity was a bigger issue than it is now. In 1969, Gabriel won the league MVP award and led the Rams in passing yards and touchdowns in 1973.

He had a legendary career. The quarterback may have been the best in NFL history at the time, but he is still considered to be one of the most underrated quarterbacks today. Gabriel, who is now 79 years old, has not yet been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

He was famous enough during his NFL career to appear in commercials and on television.

1. Hines Ward :

For the foreseeable future I am going to be giving away 1 card everyday. The first card is:

1998 Pacific Revolution Hines Ward (HOF) Rookie @mvp86hinesward

To enter just and leave GIF of your fav. All-Time WR.

Winner will be selected within the next 24hrs pic.twitter.com/D43CI58jIq

— hawkman_cards (@hawkman_cards) January 17, 2023

Hines Ward, who was born in Seoul, South Korea, was a surprise selection in the 1998 NFL Draft. Ward won the MVP award in Super Bowl XL, despite Ben Roethlisberger receiving much of the credit for the Steelers’ success in the Super Bowl.

He had 1,000 receptions, 12,083 receiving yards, and 85 touchdowns when he left the game. Ward, who is now retired, made a name for himself on television before attempting to coach for the New York Jets. It is impossible to deny his place in the modern NFL.