It’s finally September, which means football is back. And with it are players from diverse backgrounds bringing their unique skills to the gridiron. Among these standouts are several athletes of Caribbean descent who have made significant impacts in the NFL and are proudly representing their islands and inspiring future generations. Here’s a closer look at eight Caribbean NFL players who you should be watching this season.
Isiah Pacheco | Puerto Rico
Isiah Pacheco has quickly emerged as a dynamic running back in the NFL. Hailing from New Jersey, Pacheco proudly embraces his Puerto Rican heritage, famously wrapping himself in the Puerto Rican flag after the Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory in the 2023 season. Before primetime, he played college football at Rutgers University, where his explosive speed and tough running style made him a standout player.
Drafted in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, Pacheco has proven to be a steal for the team over the past few years. His ability to break through defenses has made him an exciting and valuable addition to the Chiefs’ offensive arsenal, and he is considered one of the overall best running backs in the NFL. And bonus, if you’re playing fantasy football this year, Pacheco is a safe bet for scoring.
Rakeem Nathan Nuñez-Roches | Belize
Rakeem Nathan Nuñez-Roches, known as “Nacho,” hails from Dangriga, Belize, and has made a name for himself in the NFL as a dependable defensive tackle. After moving to the United States during his childhood, Nuñez-Roches attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where he developed into a standout defensive player. He was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL draft, but a 2018 midseason trade landed him in Tampa Bay, where his hard work paid off when he won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers in 2021.
Now with the New York Giants, Nuñez-Roches continues to be a vital part of the defensive line rotation. While some say he is past his peak at 31 years old, Nuñez-Roches doesn’t look like he’s stopping anytime soon.
Javon Kinlaw | Trinidad and Tobago
Javon Kinlaw, born in Trinidad and Tobago, moved to the United States as a child and quickly found his calling on the football field. He attended the University of South Carolina, where his impressive performance as a defensive lineman caught the attention of NFL scouts. Kinlaw’s powerful presence led to his selection in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers.
After the 49ers opted not to pick up his fifth-year option, Javon Kinlaw transitioned to free agency and was swiftly signed as a defensive tackle by the New York Jets on a one-year deal. Now 26 years old, Kinlaw is eager to demonstrate his full potential, quickly becoming a fan favorite to watch in the league.
James Pierre | Haiti
A hometown hero, James Pierre was born in Deerfield Beach to Haitian parents. Pierre developed his football skills and eventually earned a spot at Florida Atlantic University as a cornerback. Despite going undrafted in 2020, Pierre’s relentless work ethic secured him a place as a free agent on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster.
Over time, he has proven himself to be a reliable and hardworking player in the Steelers’ secondary, but in March 2024 he was released and signed to the Washington Commanders as a backup cornerback. Only time will tell how successful Pierre can be in the league, but fans who have followed his journey are excited for his potential while wearing burgundy and gold.
Lewis Cine | Haiti
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Lewis Cine was raised in Massachusetts after moving to the U.S. as a child. Cine became a key player at the University of Georgia, where he played a crucial role in the Bulldogs’ national championship-winning defense. His standout performance, particularly in the 2021 national championship game where Georgia took home a 33-18 win over Alabama won him defensive MVP honors and led to his selection in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. While he didn’t make the 2024 53-man roster cut, he was picked up by the Buffalo Bills practice squad.
Known for his hard-hitting style and exceptional coverage abilities, Cine has become a rising star in the league as a safety and contributed to the Vikings’ designation as the third best safety room in the NFL. Fans are eager to see if he will rise through the ranks in Buffalo and have a chance to once again be one of the best on the field.
Eddy Piñeiro | Cuba
Eddy Piñeiro, born in Miami to a Cuban father, has made a name for himself as one of the NFL’s most accurate kickers. He honed his skills at the University of Florida, where his performances earned him a place in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders in 2018 and Chicago Bears the following year. Now playing as the placekicker for the Carolina Panthers, Piñeiro is recognized for his consistency under pressure, highlighted by a streak of 17 consecutive field goals made.
Matt Peart | Jamaica
After moving to the United States from Kingston, Jamaica as a child, Matt Peart developed into a formidable offensive tackle at the University of Connecticut where he started all of the games during his four-year college career. His size, athleticism, and skill on the offensive line led to his selection by the New York Giants in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and he was part of the starting line that did not allow a sack against the Dallas Cowboys in the 2021 season.
After three seasons with the Giants, he became an undrafted free agent and was picked up by the Denver Broncos for this 2024 season. Fans are excited to see what he brings to this team.
Bayron Matos | Dominican Republic
Bayron Matos, originally from Los Mina Sur, Dominican Republic, made a significant transition from his homeland to American football. After moving to the United States in high school, Matos displayed his versatility on offense during his college career in both football (offensive line) and basketball (forward). He eventually committed more seriously to football and was signed to the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent.
At just 23 years old he is expected to grow in the league, and his tenacity, work ethic and potential make him a promising prospect for any team looking to strengthen their offensive line.
These eight players not only represent their respective Caribbean islands with pride but also bring unique talents to the NFL. Their journeys from the Caribbean to the biggest stage in American football are a testament to their hard work, resilience, and passion for the game. As they continue to make their mark, they serve as inspirations to future generations of athletes from the Caribbean.
