THE National Football League kicked off the opening of its season last month and Pinoy fans should be aware that this year, there are several players with Filipino blood to look out for every Sunday.
Chris Gocong of the Philadelphia Eagles, Jordan Dizon of the Detroit Lions, Steve Slaton of the Houston Texans, Aaron Francisco of the Indianapolis Colts and of the Tennessee Titans all carry some Filipino heritage.
"Besides Manny Pacquiao, there haven’t been many Filipinos who have played in the professional major leagues or mainstream sports," said Bo Navarro, Amano’s manager. "This just shows that Filipino youth are embracing the sport."
Filipinos are not known to be football players. Most Filipinos don’t have the physical size that many NFL personnel are looking for, said Navarro.
"Let’s be honest not many Filipinos are built like Eugene – 6’3" and over 300 pounds," added Navarro.
But there have been a few Filipinos who’ve played in the NFL.
Roman Gabriel is the son of a Filipino immigrant. Gabriel played quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams during the 1960’s and the Philadelphia Eagles in the mid 1970’s. Gabriel was a successful quarterback winning the NFL MVP award in 1969 and was named to the pro bowl (all-star team) four times.
Tedy Bruschi, half Filipino and Italian, played linebacker for the New England Patriots. In Bruschi’s 13-year Patriots career, he has been a part of nine playoff seasons, eight division championships, five conference titles and three Super Bowl crowns, according to the Patriots.com. He retired earlier this year.
