Best Muslim NFL Players of All-Time

With Islam being the world’s second largest religion, there are a number of Muslim athletes worldwide whom have made significant impacts to their respective sport. These athletes not only excelled in their professional careers but also did so as devout and religious Muslims.

Below, we are going to review the best Muslim NFL players of all-time. These NFL players played in one of the most difficult and rigorous leagues in the world and did so representing Islam and its worldwide message.

And with Muslim athletes being well-represented in the NBA and the UFC, it should come as no surprise that Muslim athletes are well-represented in the NFL either.

What is Islam?

Before jumping into the best Muslim NFL players of all-time, it is important to understand what a Muslim is and what Islam is.

Islam is a monotheistic religion which is centered around the Quran, or the Muslim holy book, which is considered by Muslims to be the verbatim word of God.

As the world’s second-largest religion with over 2-billion followers, Muslims believe in a merciful, all-powerful, and omnipotent God who has guided humanity through prophets, revealed scriptures, and natural signs and miracles.

As such, Muslims also believe that Muhammed was the last and final prophet sent to humanity.

A follower of Islam is thus titled a Muslim and Muslims are expected, amongst other things, to take an oath declaring their belief in Islam, offer daily prayers, give frequently to charity, complete the fast in the month of Ramadan, and make a pilgrimage to the city of Mecca at least once in their lifetime.

Mohamed Sanu

Mohamed Sanu was born on August 22, 1989 and played the wide receiver position during his time in the NFL. Although he is currently a free agent, he was one of the best wide receivers during his time in the league.

Having attended Rutgers University for his college career, Mohamed Sanu would be drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Born in Sayreville, New Jersey, both of Mohamed Sanu’s parents are Muslim and are from Sierra Leone. In fact, for a period of time in his childhood, Mohamed lived in Sierra Leone before returning with his family to New Jersey.

Ameer Abdullah

Born on June 13, 1993, Ameer Abdullah is a running back in the NFL and currently plays for the Las Vegas Raiders. Drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft, he played college football at Nebraska.

In his junior year of college, Ameer Abdullah rushed for 1,690 yards, which is the fourth most in a single season in the University of Nebraska’s history. A contender for the 2014 Heisman Trophy, Abdullah would return for his senior year before declaring himself eligible for he NFL Draft.

Oday Aboushi

Born on June 5, 1991, Oday Aboushi is a Palestinian-American and Muslim NFL player. Although he is currently a free agent, he played for notable NFL teams, including the Houston Texans, the Seattle Seahawks, the Oakland Raiders, the Arizona Cardinals, the Detroit Lions, and the Los Angeles Chargers.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Oday Aboushi attended the University of Virginia, where he started 37 of 43 games. As a senior, Aboushi was a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection.

Dominique Easley

Born on April 28, 1992, Dominique Easley is a former defensive tackle in the NFL. Drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, he attended the University of Florida on an athletic scholarship.

Dominique Easley’s mother is of Haitian descent and he has an older brother and a younger sister. Although he was not born a Muslim, he would declare his conversion to Islam in 2015 on Twitter.

Muhammad Wilkerson

Born on October 22, 1989, Muhammad Wilkerson is a former defensive end who played for both the New York Jets and Green Bay Packers. Having played college football at Temple University, he would be drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.

Husain Abdullah

Born on July 27, 1985, Husain Abdullah is a former free safety and played for the Minnesota Vikings and the Kansas City Chiefs. Signed as an undrafted free agent, Husain Abdullah retired from the NFL after 7-seasons.

Abdullah attended Pomona High School and was most well regarded for his athletics and fitness levels. In high school, Abdullah received many honorable awards as he represented his school football team as captain.