8 Filipino-American NFL Players Who Made Super Bowl History

Filipinos in the NFL? You bet. Sure, we might be known more for boxing, basketball, and singing notes that defy the laws of acoustics, but trust, we’ve got some gridiron greats in our corner, too. Over the years, a handful of Filipino-American players have balled out on football’s biggest global stage: the Super Bowl. From setting records to securing rings (and even pulling off some sneaky sock-stashed celebrations), these guys proved that yes, Pinoys can play pigskin. Here’s who made history.

1. Tedy Bruschi – The New England Patriots Dynasty King

Photo Courtesy of Teddy Bruschi

If you watched the early 2000’s Patriots completely dominate the NFL, you know Tedy Bruschi was that guy. The half-Filipino, half-Italian linebacker was a defensive menace, helping the Pats snag three Super Bowl rings (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX). Known for his intensity and leadership, Bruschi was a core part of Bill Belichick’s empire.

🏆 Super Bowl Wins: 3 (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)
🔥 Bet You Didn’t Know: He survived a stroke in 2005, then came back to play four more seasons. Absolute legend.

2. Jordan Norwood – The Super Bowl Record-Setter

Photo Credit: Jordan Norwood Instagram

You might not remember Jordan Norwood’s name, but you definitely remember his Super Bowl 50 highlight. This Denver Broncos wide receiver and punt returner (who reps Filipino roots via his mom) shattered a Super Bowl record with an insane 61-yard punt return—the longest in history! His explosive play helped the Broncos secure a 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers.

🏆 Super Bowl Wins: 1 (L or 50)
🔥 Bet You Didn’t Know: That record-breaking return? It was almost a touchdown, if only he had a little more room!

3. Doug Baldwin – Seattle’s Go-To Guy

Photo Credit: Seattle Seahawks

Doug Baldwin was that dude for the Seattle Seahawks. The star wide receiver (whose grandmother is Filipino) helped Seattle steamroll the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. The next year, he was part of the infamous “Why didn’t they run the ball?” moment in Super Bowl XLIX, when the Seahawks almost won back-to-back titles—if not for that interception. Baldwin was clutch, reliable, and always came through in big moments.

🏆 Super Bowl Wins: 1 (XLVIII)
🔥 Bet You Didn’t Know: Baldwin once hid a pen in his sock to sign the football after a touchdown. Iconic.

4. Donnel Pumphrey – The Record-Breaking Aztec

Photo Credit: Philadelphia Eagles

Donnel Pumphrey, who boasts Filipino roots, was a standout running back at San Diego State University, becoming the NCAA Division I FBS all-time leading rusher with 6,405 yards. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017, Pumphrey was part of the team during their Super Bowl LII victory over the New England Patriots. Although he spent the season on injured reserve due to a torn hamstring and didn't play in the game, he still earned a Super Bowl ring as a member of the championship roster.

🏆 Super Bowl Wins: 1 (LII, as part of the roster)

🔥 Bet You Didn’t Know: Despite not playing in the Super Bowl due to injury, Pumphrey's collegiate rushing record still stands, showcasing his remarkable talent.

5. Aaron Francisco – The Undrafted Defender

Photo Courtesy: Indiana Colts

Aaron Francisco, also of Filipino descent from Hawaii, carved out a notable career as a safety in the NFL. After going undrafted in 2005, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals and played a key role in their journey to Super Bowl XLIII. Despite the Cardinals' loss, Francisco's journey from undrafted free agent to Super Bowl participant is a testament to his perseverance and skill and his strong showing during that Super Bowl made him one to watch for years to come.

🏆 Super Bowl Wins: 0 (played in Super Bowl XLIII)

🔥 Bet You Didn’t Know: Aaron Francisco was a special teams ace for multiple NFL teams, even earning a captain role with the Colts. His grit and hustle kept him in the league for six seasons, not bad for an undrafted player.

6. Roman Gabriel – The OG Filipino Trailblazer

Photo Credit: Associated Press

Before Tedy, Jordan, or Doug, there was Roman Gabriel, the first-ever Filipino-American starting QB in the NFL. Though he never played in a Super Bowl, this Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles legend paved the literal way for future Pinoy ballers. A 4x Pro Bowler with a cannon for an arm, Gabriel almost led the Rams to the big game in the late ‘60s. While the Super Bowl eluded him, his impact on the game is undeniable.

🏆 Super Bowl Wins: 0, but respect the OG, he deserves a spot on this list as he was and is the only Asian-American, and Filipino-American to ever have won an NFL MVP Award. EVER.
🔥 Bet You Didn’t Know: He played a villain in an episode of Gilligan’s Island. Yes, really.

7. Nikko Remigio – The New Kid on the Block

Photo credit: Kansas City Chiefs Facebook

Nikko Remigio is the next generation of Filipino NFL talent. The Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver signed with the team in 2023, and though he was sidelined due to injury, he was still part of the squad when they won Super Bowl LVIII. While he hasn’t had his big Super Bowl moment yet, he’s definitely one to watch, and we’re hoping we get to witness some of his greatness today.

🏆 Super Bowl Wins: 1 (LVIII, as a reserve)
🔥 Bet You Didn’t Know: His nickname in high school was “The Human Joystick” because of his crazy agility.

8. Johnny Wilson – The Rookie on the Rise

Photo Credit: Philadelphia Eagles

Johnny Wilson is bringing that new-gen Filipino energy to the Super Bowl. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, the 6’7” wide receiver has already made a name for himself with his insane size, speed, and catch radius. In his rookie season, he appeared in 16 games, starting in four, and recorded five receptions for 38 yards and one touchdown. Now, he’s gearing up for Super Bowl LIX, where he’ll get his first shot at a championship.

🏆 Super Bowl Wins: TBD (playing in Super Bowl LIX)
🔥 Bet You Didn’t Know: Wilson originally played tight end before transitioning to wide receiver, so yeah, he's that versatile.

Filipinos may not be flooding the NFL just yet, but these players are proof that our community belongs on the field. Whether it's making history, breaking records, or just repping the culture at the highest level, these five athletes are putting Filipino-Americans on the football map. Currently we have about 7 NFL Players with Filipino descent on current rosters, and we’re excited to be following all their journeys.

Who’s next? We can’t wait to see. As we wait for tip off today, we’re sending extra good vibes to Niko Remigio and Johnny Wilson: Mabuhay and game on!

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