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While they’re entirely different sporting products, many NFL professionals enjoy football. From players who played during the good old days to many modern-day stars who have been seen at Premier League stadiums, there are a number of instantly recognisable NFL figures who are partial to the beautiful game.
After all, you can’t beat the end-to-end excitement that typically occurs during a football game. Sure, the NFL has its plus points, and sports lovers listen to podcasts and delve deeper into this beloved American pastime by assessing the latest college football odds. However, football is still the biggest sport on the planet for a reason. Some NFL legends might even agree. Below, we take a look at just some of them.
Ndamukong Suh idolises Thierry Henry.
Arsenal fans adore Thierry Henry. The Frenchman is also an unlikely hero of Ndamukong Suh, the former NFL defensive tackle. Suh grew up idolising the Arsenal legend, with the former Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins star even crediting football with helping him make it as a professional NFL player. Whether or not Gunners legend Henry knows who Ndamukong Suh is remains unknown, but the 6 feet 4 inches tall former athlete would love to meet him.
Tom Brady has a minority stake in Birmingham City.
There has been an influx of American-owned clubs in English football. Alongside the likes of Wrexham, who have Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to thank for their rise up through the leagues to the Championship, Birmingham City are on a journey of their own under the ownership of Tom Brady. However, despite a rivalry potentially being born between the two American-run clubs, Brady doesn’t have as much of a say on Birmingham’s future as Reynolds and McElhenney do due to his minority stake in the club. Still, Brady has got the bug as he’s been seen at plenty of games.
Chad Johnson loves the sport.
Chad Johnson, playing for the Cincinnati Bengals and the Miami Dolphins, was a joy to watch on the field. The wide receiver is regarded as one of American football’s most entertaining professionals, with his all-around ability standing out. Johnson was also a proud football fan, with the Miami-born hero suggesting the sport helped him on the football field on occasions. Johnson loves football so much that he even managed to play in a reserve game for Sporting Kansas City in 2017 when his playing days were over.
J.J. Watt part-owns Burnley.
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These days, when most football fans think of Burnley, NFL heroes like J.J. Watt spring to mind. The part-owner of the Clarets has developed a passion for the sport after investing in the newly promoted Premier League side in 2023. Watt has said he was drawn to the passion and history associated with English football. The former Houston Texans defensive end is also friends with several former top-flight stars, such as Tim Howard and Clint Dempsey.
Odell Beckham Jr. played football growing up.
Despite having the same surname as English football royalty, Odell Beckham Jr. isn’t related to David Beckham. However, the Miami Dolphins star fully knows the Manchester United icon due to his love of football. Odell Beckham Jr. played the sport growing up, with his talent on the pitch even leading him to try out for the U.S. youth national team. In the end, though, his potential on the American football field saw Odell Beckham Jr. dedicate himself to the sport, but it seems like he’ll always have an affinity for the beautiful game.
