American Football's Authentic Fervor in Mexico

In Mexico, there is an authentic fervor for American football. The Aztec country has the most NFL fans outside of the United States. It is estimated that about 23.3 million Mexicans are sports enthusiasts and ardent followers of the National Football League. According to a study conducted earlier this year by Global Web Index, this puts Mexico even ahead of Canada (7.21 million).

In terms of players, Mexico is the Spanish-speaking country that has contributed the most to the NFL. Since the league's beginnings, 21 players with Mexican nationality have played in the top competition. Of those, nine were kickers. The total number is not as high as many would desire, but the Aztec nation is far ahead of any other Spanish-speaking country. Following it in the ranking are Argentina, Cuba, Spain (4); Panama (3); Honduras, Guatemala, Venezuela, Colombia (2); Bolivia, Paraguay, and El Salvador (all with one).

On July 19th, the national American football team even crowned itself with third place in the ‘football’ World Cup by defeating France 20-7 in Canton (Ohio). But Mexico's impact is primarily noted in the numerous stars of Aztec ancestry in the league's history books. Below, AS presents the historic Top-10 of NFL players with Mexican ancestors.

10. Mark Sánchez (years in the league: since 2009). The quarterback for the Eagles will have to fight for the starting position with Sam Bradford. His career in the NFL has experienced many ups and downs, but his journey in the NCAA was sensational. At USC, the third-generation Mexican became a symbol for the Hispanic community in Los Angeles, where he was idolized as much as the boxer Óscar de la Hoya or the pitcher Fernando Valenzuela.

9. Tony Romo (since 2003). The quarterback for the Cowboys is one of those who accumulate the best statistics, although his inability to be decisive in crucial moments has haunted him. At 35 years old, the upcoming seasons will determine his legacy. The quarterback's grandfather is named Ramiro Romo and comes from Coahuila, Mexico.

8. Raúl Allegre (1983-1991). Besides being the lone kicker in the ranking, he is also the only one who is completely Mexican. The kicker from Torreón was not known for having much power in his right leg, but rather precision. His kicks were crucial in winning two Super Bowls with the Giants (XXI and XXV).

7. Arian Foster (since 2009). The player from the Texans is one of the most influential in the NFL. In just six seasons, he has already scored 86 touchdowns and accumulated 8,350 yards in receptions and rushes. His mother, Bernadette, is half Mexican. Barring decline or further injuries, his eventual entry into the Hall of Fame seems inevitable.

6. Joe Kapp (1967-70). More than a great player in the NFL, Kapp is a legend in the Canadian CFL, where he does belong to the Hall of Fame. In 1969, the quarterback led the Vikings to a Super Bowl. In memory remains a Sports Illustrated cover that he graced, reading: "The toughest chicano".

5. Jeff García (1999-2011). He continues to mentor various players in the NFL today. He never played in a Super Bowl, but belongs to the club of historical quarterbacks for the 49ers alongside Steve Young and Joe Montana. He has Mexican ancestry, as reflected in his last name, as well as Irish blood.

4. Tom Fears (1948-1956). Born in Guadalajara, this wide receiver is remembered as one of the most spectacular players of his time. He is the first Mexican-American to enter the Hall of Fame. He played his entire career with the Rams, with whom he won a title in 1951. His mother, Carmen Valdés, married Charles Williams Fears (Tom's father), a mining engineer from the United States living in the state of Jalisco.

3. Tom Flores (1960-1969). Along with the legendary Mike Ditka, he is the only one to have won a Super Bowl as a player (1969), assistant coach (1976), and head coach (1980 and 1983). All with the Raiders. Alongside John Madden, he is considered the most important figure in the history of the Oakland franchise. His non-election into the Hall of Fame continues to cause a lot of controversy.

2. Jim Plunkett (1971-1986). He was the quarterback with whom Tom Flores won two Super Bowls as a coach. The 'chicano duo' made their mark on the Raiders. Like Flores, his omission from the Hall of Fame remains a topic of debate. In fact, he is the only quarterback with two Super Bowls who has not achieved it.

1. Anthony Muñoz (1980-1992). He is considered by NFL.com as the twelfth greatest player in history, making it hard for him not to occupy the first position in our ranking. He is considered the best offensive lineman in the NFL, and during his 12 seasons, he only missed three games (due to injury). His 1.98 meters and 126 kilograms were quite intimidating for opposing quarterbacks.